Delta Blues, the Japanese Melbourne Cup winning horse, has died after complications with laminitis.
Old Friends Japan, which looks after retired racehorses in Japan, announced the 2006 Melbourne Cup champion died on Tuesday.
Delta Blues and largely Japanese racing shot to prominence when he beat home favourite and fellow Japanese runner Pop Rock to win the Melbourne Cup.
“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.”
Prior to the Melbourne Cup, Delta Blues finished third in the Caulfield Cup and won major international races including the 2004 Kikuka Sho and the Stayers Stakes in 2005.
Delta Blues, who was partnered by Yasunari Iwata in Melbourne, was an $18 shot to win the Melbourne Cup, behind favourite Pop Rock ($6).
Horse racing news
