- The Melbourne Cup champion died on Tuesday
- The horse won six races during his career.
2006 Melbourne Cup champions Delta Blues have died aged 24.
Along with Pop Rock, the Japanese couple made history in 2006, after fighting for first and second place in Flemington.
Delta Blues, ridden by jockey Yasunari Iwata, would win by a nose and become the first Japanese horse to win the Cup.
It was also the last competitive race he won, with the horse winning a total of six races during his brilliant career, including the 2004 Kikuka Sho and would come third in the 2006 Caulfield Cup.
The news was confirmed by thoroughbred retirement center Old Friends Japan.
In a statement, the stable confirmed that Delta Blues had suffered “complications of laminitis”, an extremely painful condition to which more than seven per cent of equine deaths are linked, according to the Royal Veterinary College.
“We are sad to announce that Delta Blues passed away on October 8, 2024 due to complications from laminitis,” Old Friends Japan said in a statement.
2006 Melbourne Cup champions Delta Blues have tragically passed away aged 24.
Delta Blues, ridden by jockey Yasunari Iwata, would win by a whisker and become the first Japanese horse to win the Cup.
It was also the last competitive race that Delta Blues (right) won, and the horse won a total of six races during his brilliant career.
‘He made history in 2006 as the first and only Japanese horse to win the Melbourne Cup and remained highly regarded long after his retirement. Rest in peace, Delta.
‘He was a special (horse) for us and his memory will live in our hearts. “We would like to thank everyone who has been involved with Delta Blues so far.”
During his career, Blues also won the Stayers Stakes in 2005 and was also crowned Australian Champion Stayer in 2006-2007.
‘Laminitis affects the tissue called sensitive laminae found in the horse’s hoof. The sensitive sheets act like Velcro to form a strong bond that holds the pedal bone inside the hoof,’ says the British Horse Society.
‘Laminitis causes the sensitive laminae to stretch, weaken and become damaged, which can cause the pedal bone to shift inside the hoof (think of a zipper opening).
“In extreme cases, the pedal bone can rotate and/or fall through the sole of the hoof, which is very painful.”
Some have paid tribute to the horse online, including the Victoria Racing Club (VRC).
“The Victoria Racing Club is saddened to learn of the passing of 2006 Melbourne Cup winner Delta Blues at the age of 24,” the club said on its website.
The Victoria Racing club and its president paid tribute to the horse (right) in a statement
VRC president Neil Wilson added: “Delta Blues will always be remembered and linked to the Lexus Melbourne Cup as the first Japanese horse to win Australia’s most iconic race, inspiring greater Japanese participation in the Cup.”
“It has been special to be able to visit Delta Blues over the years as part of the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour and see him enjoy his retirement long after his racing career.”
“We convey our deepest condolences to its owner Katsumi Yoshida, the staff of Old Friends Japan and the entire racing community who loved and adored their champion.”