Racing fans are in mourning after the death of Delta Work, the popular Cheltenham Festival racehorse, at the age of 12.

His passing comes as a shock after the 2024 Grand National runner-up and three-time Cheltenham Festival winner was being prepared to run at Cheltenham Festival again in March in just a few weeks’ time.

However, the horse’s trainer, Gordon Elliot, announced the tragic news on Thursday that the horse had died following a bout of colic.

“Sadly Delta Work died this morning as a result of colic,” Elliott said in a statement.

“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 1 winner and a triple Cheltenham Festival winner he was everything you could hope for in a racehorse.”

The trainer added: “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.”

Delta Work famously beat Tiger Roll in an incredible Cross Country Chase in 2022 to deny its stablemate a winning farewell. He would go on to win the race again the following year.

Delta Work won five Grade 1s over fences, as well as the Savills Chase and Irish Gold Cup. The Elliott-trained horse also won the Pertemps Final in 2018 before switching focus to the cross-country scene.

His last run saw him finish fourth in the Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham last month and he was being geared up for another crack at the Cross Country Chase at next month’s festival.

The Jockey Club, home to the top 15 racecourses in the UK including Cheltenham, paid tribute to Delta Work on X (formerly Twitter).

“Our thoughts are with connections of Delta Work who has passed away after suffering a bout of Colic,” the post read.

“His career included winning three times at the Cheltenham Festival and placing in two Randox Grand Nationals. This one will live long in the memory.”

In total, he ran 40 races and won on 12 occasions, as well as placing 12 times. His highest rating came at his peak in 2020 when he was rated 171.

He racked up nearly £1million in career earnings for his owners.