It’s one of those days that hits you hard. The horse racing community is mourning the loss of Delta Work, the Cheltenham Festival triple star at the age of 12 following a case of colic. The beloved gelding was a blue ribband champion of the sport—with five Grade 1 wins to his name and dazzling the crowds at three Cheltenham Festivals. Trained by the genius Gordon Elliott and owned by the shrewd Gigginstown House Stud, Delta Work was a warrior on the track and a sweetheart off of it.

Delta Work had a dazzling debut with his very first Cheltenham Festival win at the 2018 Pertemps Final. He then followed that by landing the Glenfarclas Chase with two back-to-back wins, defeating stablemate Tiger Roll—that very two-time Grand National winner—three seasons ago in a soggy, grueling contest.

He also claimed the 2020 Irish Gold Cup to his name and was ready to have another shot at the Glenfarclas Chase, with a possible Grand National at Aintree also on the cards. However, destiny had other designs on him. Following colic signs, he was rushed to the Fethard Equine Hospital to undergo surgery, with all attempts failing to salvage him.

Fan outpouring – fans remember Delta Work’s irreplaceable energy

When the news was made public, social media was filled with raw, heartfelt tributes by the public. “So very very sorry. I came to an owners’ day at Cullentra a year or so ago, and he washed my hand for me! A soppy horse in his box, but a warrior on the racecourse. Thinking of you all.” It is a personal memory to fans—Delta Work had a way of getting to the hearts of individuals with a mix of sweet moments off the track with fierce racing on the track.

Another fan simply put it this way: “Sad to hear Gordon, legend and he’ll be missed. RIP❤️.” It is not simply a reference to his record number of victories; it is a testament to a horse that embodied the toughness and the desire to win that is the hallmark of the best of the best of the sport. Another simply wrote, “Wow, I was only watching his race last night on YouTube—seeing him beat Tiger Roll in the muck up the hill was something else.” Fans can’t help but replay the iconic moments that illustrated his never-give-in mentality to racing.

One more heartfelt tweet was, “Rest easy, Delta Work. It’s such a shame. I won’t forget his battle with Tiger Roll. Thoughts with you and the team, Gordon.” Another posted, “Ah, that’s such sad news. I’m so sorry—nobody’s fault, it just happens. A great horse, and he’ll be missed. RIP Delta, keep riding over clouds 🥰 xxxx.” These heartfelt messages with deep emotions and strong memories, talk of the strong bond between the public and this legendary runner.

Delta Work was not merely a decorated racehorse; he was a testament to endurance, who had all to give on the racetrack. His loss creates a gaping void within the hearts of all at Cullentra and the racing fraternity at large. The memories of victories that will linger on and the sheer delight that he provided to all who saw him compete cement his legacy.

Owners at the Gigginstown House Stud have also moved to commend him, with Eddie O’Leary describing him as “an absolute superstar” and stating they were privileged to have had the chance to have had anything to do with him. In a short message, Gordon Elliott added that Delta Work was a privilege to have had the chance to train him and praised his record by saying that he had won five Grade Ones at three Cheltenham Festivals.

As the racing world comes to terms with this tragedy, a shared opinion is that the memory of Delta Work will continue to inspire us all. It could be the warm atmosphere of a Cheltenham afternoon or the countless testimonies of the magic that the public witnessed him deliver on the racetrack that will keep his memory going. Delta Work may have left us, but his legendary career—and the indelible mark he made—will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Delta Work. You were one tough, unforgettable warrior, and every fan, trainer, and racer who had the privilege of watching you in action will forever miss you.