The 2006 Melbourne Cup champion Delta Blues has passed away, aged 24.
Alongside Pop Rock, the Japanese pair made history in 2006, after they battled for first and second place at Flemington.
Delta Blues, ridden by jockey Yasunari Iwata, would win by a nose to become the first-ever Japanese horse to win the Cup.
It was also the last competitive race he won, with the horse clinching a total of six races during his glittering career, including the 2004 Kikuka Sho and would place third in the 2006 Caulfield Cup.
The news was confirmed by thoroughbred retirement facility, Old Friends Japan.
In a statement, stable confirmed Delta Blues had suffered ‘complications from Laminitis’, an extremely painful condition with more than seven per cent of equine deaths being linked to the condition, according to the Royal Veterinary College.
‘We are saddened to announce that Delta Blues passed away on October 8, 2024, due to complications from laminitis,’ Old Friends Japan said in a statement.
‘He made history in 2006 as the first and only Japanese horse to win the Melbourne Cup and continued to be cherished long after his retirement. Rest in peace, Delta.
‘He was a special (horse) to us and his memory will live on in our hearts. We would like to thank everyone who has been involved with Delta Blues so far.’
During his career, Blues also clinched the Stayers Stakes in 2005 and was also crowned the Australian Champion Stayer for 2006-2007.
More to follow…
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