The world of National Hunt racing recently bid farewell to one of its modern greats, as Delta Work sadly passed away at the age of 12 following a bout of colic.
A multiple Grade 1 winner and a true Cheltenham Festival warrior, the Gordon Elliott-trained gelding was a regular favourite in the horse racing odds on sites like Live Score Bet.
From novice successes to high-profile victories against elite opposition, Delta Work consistently delivered on the biggest stages. Whether at Leopardstown or at the demanding Prestbury Park, he has left a lasting mark on jumps racing.
Here, we take a look at some of the best moments Delta Work provided throughout his illustrious career.
2018: Neville Hotels Novice Chase – A Statement Victory
Already a Cheltenham Festival winner, having won the Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle, Delta Work announced himself as a top-class chaser with a dominant performance in the Neville Hotels Novice Chase at Leopardstown.
Then five years old, he stormed to an emphatic eight-length success, leading home a remarkable Elliott-trained/Gigginstown House Stud-owned 1-2-3, with Immortal and Blow By Blow following him home.
2019: Savills Chase – Edging A Thriller
His first major Grade 1 victory in open company came in the 2019 Savills Chase, where he bravely fended off the Henry de Bromhead-trained Monalee by a head in a pulsating finish.
Under a determined ride from a young Jack Kennedy, Delta Work displayed his tenacity and will to win, securing a prestigious Leopardstown success and cementing himself as a leading Gold Cup contender.
2020: Irish Gold Cup – Top Of The Irish Staying Division
A couple of months later, Delta Work reaffirmed his class with another major Leopardstown triumph, landing the Irish Gold Cup.
Taking on a high-class field that included the race favourite Kemboy, he once again dug deep when it mattered most. Under relentless pressure, he found extra on the run-in, proving his class in one of the most prestigious staying chases in Ireland.
2022: Cross Country Chase – Spoiling The Tiger Roll Party
Arguably his most controversial moment came at the 2022 Cheltenham Festival, where he denied the legendary Tiger Roll a fairytale farewell in the Cross Country Chase.
The crowd had come to witness a triumphant send-off for the dual Grand National hero, but Delta Work had other plans, battling his stablemate up the hill to claim victory.
As a result, he was met with a chorus of boos when returning to the Parade Ring – a rare occurrence for a Cheltenham Festival winner.
2023: Cross Country Chase – A Popular Cross Country Triumph
A year later, Delta Work returned to Cheltenham and defended his Cross Country Chase crown, this time to widespread approval.
He saw off another stablemate in Galvin, confirming his mastery of the unique discipline and ensuring his place in Festival folklore.
—
Delta Work was the epitome of a battle-hardened staying chaser, and his performances over the years will be fondly remembered by racing fans.
His ability to perform at the highest level across multiple seasons made him one of Elliott’s most reliable stars.
