Melbourne Cup champion tragically dies, aged 24

The 2006 Melbourne Cup champion Delta Blues has died aged 24.

Alongside Pop Rock, the Japanese pair made history in 2006 after battling 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 winning a total of six races during his glittering career, including the 2004 Kikuka Sho and would finish third in the 2006 Caulfield Cup.

The news was confirmed by Thoroughbred Retirement Facility, Old Friends Japan.

In a statement, Stable confirmed Delta Blues confirmed ‘complications of laminitis’, an extremely painful condition with more than seven per cent of equine deaths 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 of laminitis,” longtime friends Japan said in a statement.

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 Delta Blues (right) won, with the horse conquering a total of six races during his glittering career

‘He made history in 2006 as the first and only Japanese horse to win the Melbourne Cup and was 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 won the Stayers Stakes in 2005 and was also crowned the Australian Stayer Champion for 2006-2007.

‘Laminitis affects tissue called tender laminae found in the horse’s hoof. The sensitive laminae act like Velcro to form a strong bond to support the pedal bone in the hoof,” says the British Horse Society.

‘Laminitis causes the delicate laminae to stretch, weaken and become damaged, allowing the pedal bone to move in the hoof (think of a zipper that isn’t done).

‘In extreme cases, the pedal bone can rotate and/or fall through the sole 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 hear 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 chairman paid tribute to the horse (right) in a statement

VRC Chairman Neil Wilson added: ‘Delta Blues will forever be remembered and linked to the Lexus Melbourne Cup as the first Japanese horse to win Australia’s most iconic race, inspiring further Japanese participation in the Cup,’

“It was special to be able to visit Delta Blues over the years as part of the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour and see him enjoying his retirement long after his racing career.”

“We pass on our sympathies to his owner Katsumi Yoshida, the staff of Old Friends Japan and the entire racing community who loved and adored their champion.”