2006 Melbourne Cup champion Delta Blues has died.

The sad news has been confirmed by Japanese thoroughbred retirement facility, Old Friends Japan.

Delta Blues rocketed to fame in 2006 when he took out the Cup in a stunning one-two quinella with fellow Japanese horse, Pop Rock.

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He was the first Japanese horse to win the Cup and it just so happened to be the last race he won in an impressive career.

Before the Melbourne Cup, he placed third in Caulfield 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.”

Laminitis affects the hoof (usually the front) and can be extremely painful for horses.

It has been reported that more than seven per cent of equine deaths are linked to the issue

According to veterinary information, the condition affects the tissues (laminae) bonding the hoof wall to the pedal bone in the hoof.

“It can result in the pedal bone sinking or rotating within the hoof under the weight of the horse. In extreme cases this can result in penetration the sole of the foot by the pedal bone,” the Royal Veterinary College says.

Other major wins for Delta Blues included the 2004 Kikuka Sho (a Japanese Grade 1 race for three-year-olds) and the Stayers Stakes in 2005.

He was ridden by Japanese jockey Yasunari Iwata when he was in Melbourne.