Three-time Cheltenham Festival winner Delta Work, who finished runner-up in last year’s Grand National, has died at the age of 12 following a bout of colic.
Mr Elliott said: “Sadly Delta Work died this morning as a result of colic. After showing signs of colic he was brought to Fethard Equine Hospital and was operated on but sadly there was nothing that could be done for him.
“Everyone here is gutted by this news. He was such a huge favourite of the yard and he gave us so many memorable days over so many seasons. As a five-time Grade One winner and a triple Cheltenham Festival winner he was everything you could hope for in a racehorse.”
Delta Work ran in the famous Gigginstown colours of maroon with a white star belonging to Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary.
“It was an honour and privilege to train him for Michael and Anita O’Leary,” said Mr Elliott. “We will be lucky to come across a horse of such class, versatility and longevity again.”
Delta Work amassed £957,599 in prize money, winning 12 of his 40 career starts, and he was placed on 12 other occasions. He won five Grade Ones over fences, including the Savills Chase and Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown during the 2019-20 campaign.
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Delta Work was last seen finishing fourth in the Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham last month and he was being geared up for the Cross Country Chase at next month’s Cheltenham Festival.
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Former web features editor, point-to-point editor and digital racing editor
Gemma is an experienced journalist, who was a member of H&H staff from 2014 to September 2025. She is passionate about all equestrian sports, including racing and point-to-pointing. She has enjoyed riding out for top trainers Nicky Henderson and Charlie Appleby and took part in a charity Flat race at Epsom in August 2018. Gemma’s has reported from numerous five-star events around Britain and Europe, as well as European championships.
