Grand National runner-up Delta Work dies aged 12

Image from Alamy – 2J052BK Delta Work (left) and Tiger Roll with owner Michael O’Leary after The Glenfarclas Chase during day two of the Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse. Picture date: Wednesday March 16, 2022.

Delta Work, the three-time Cheltenham Festival winner and one of Gordon Elliott’s finest stable stars, has died at the age of 12 following a bout of colic. Despite efforts to save him through surgery at Fethard Equine Hospital, there was nothing that could be done, leaving the racing world mourning the loss of a true champion.

Owned by Gigginstown House Stud, Delta Work was a formidable competitor throughout his career, securing 12 wins from 40 outings and earning over €1 million in prize money. He was a five-time Grade 1 winner, demonstrating both versatility and endurance at the highest levels of National Hunt racing.

Delta Work first tasted success at the Cheltenham Festival in 2018, winning the Pertemps Final. However, he became best known for his dominance in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase, where he famously denied stablemate Tiger Roll victory in 2022 before defending his title successfully in 2023. His career also included notable triumphs in the Savills Chase and Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown during the 2019-2020 season, where he reached his peak with a rating of 171.

Beyond Cheltenham, Delta Work also made his mark in the Grand National, finishing third in 2022 and achieving runner-up status in 2024, showcasing his remarkable consistency and stamina. His last race was the Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham in January, where he finished fourth behind L’Homme Presse.

Trainer Gordon Elliott paid tribute to his stable stalwart, saying: “Everyone here is gutted by this news. He was such a huge favourite of the yard and 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.”

Eddie O’Leary of Gigginstown House Stud echoed these sentiments, describing Delta Work as “an unbelievable horse” who was “so versatile, so honest, and so sound.” He added, “He was brilliant for Gordon, and Gordon was brilliant for him. We were very, very lucky and proud to have him and be associated with him. He seems to have been around forever and God bless him, he was an absolute superstar.”

Delta Work will be remembered not only for his victories but also for his resilience, heart, and the joy he brought to fans and connections alike.