LEGENDARY horse Delta Work has sadly died.
The three-time Cheltenham winner and last year’s Grand National runner-up passed away aged 12 after suffering a bout of colic.
PAJack Kennedy rode Delta Work to victory in the Glenfarclas Chase in 2022[/caption]
PATrainer Gordon Elliott praised ‘a horse of such class, versatility and longevity’[/caption]
Delta Work tasted success for the first time at Cheltenham in the Pertemps Final in 2018.
He then famously beat Tiger Roll in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase in 2022 before retaining the title the following year.
Before moving to the cross-country scene, Delta Work won five Grade 1s over fences, as well as the Savills Chase and Irish Gold Cup.
Trainer Gordon Elliot said: “Sadly Delta Work died this morning as a result of colic.
“After showing signs of colic he was brought to Fethard Equine Hospital and was operated on but sadly there was nothing that could be done for him.
“Everyone here is gutted by this news. He was such a huge favourite of the yard and he gave us so many memorable days over so many seasons.
“As a five-time Grade 1 winner and a triple Cheltenham Festival winner he was everything you could hope for in a racehorse.
“It was an honour and privilege to train him for Michael and Anita O’Leary and we will be lucky to come across a horse of such class, versatility and longevity again.”
Fans also penned touching tributes, saying: “Horrific news. What a legend of a horse he was for Elliot and Gigginstown. RIP champ.”
Another wrote: “Who didn’t love this guy. Day ruined. Rest in peace Delta.”
A third added: “Such a shame! Heroic performances at Cheltenham and Aintree… rest easy fella.”
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