Delta Blues, who won the Melbourne Cup in 2006, has died. The sad news was confirmed by Old Friends Japan, a facility that specializes in thoroughbred retirement.
He became known for winning the Cup in a one-two finish with another Japanese horse, Pop Rock.
It was the first time a Japanese horse had won the prestigious race.
Delta Blues finished third in the Caulfield Cup before the Melbourne Cup.
According to Old Friends Japan, he died due to laminitis on October 8, 2024.
He was regarded as the first Japanese horse to win the prestigious race.
The owners of Delta Blues expressed their condolences and said that their memories of the horse will live on.
Laminitis is a type of painful condition that affects the hoof. It can be very painful for a horse and can affect the tissues that are located in the hoof wall.
It has been estimated that over seven percent of all horse fatalities are linked to this condition.
According to the Royal Veterinary College, this condition can cause the pedal bone to sink or rotate within the hoof, causing the sole of the foot to be affected.
Delta Blues won several races, including the Stayers Stakes in 2005 and the Kikuka Sho in 2004.