A beloved horse that appeared in the Oscar-nominated film “Seabiscuit” died last Thursday, according to an announcement by the Kentucky farm where the animal actor lived.
Popcorn Deelites was 24.
“A 17-year OF resident, his paddock-mate for all of those years, Special Ring, is devastated, as are we. Pops will always be a shining star in our hearts,” tweeted the Old Friends farm, which is located in Georgetown, Ky.
Popcorn Deelites was one of eight horses that played Seabiscuit in the 2003 movie, and also won 11 events during his own racing career, Old Friends says on its website.
He died of complications from colic, an ailment that causes abdominal pain in horses.
The “Seabiscuit” film was inspired by the real-life titular horse that dominated the racing circuit during the 1930s.
The sports drama — which stars Tobey Maguire, Jeff Bridges and Elizabeth Banks — was nominated for seven Oscars in 2004 but did not win. Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay were among the categories that the film earned nominations for.
“He was my go-to guy in all the big scenes,” jockey Gary Stevens, who played the jockey George Woolf in the movie, said in a statement.
“He not only won real races multiple times, but he won the famous match race playing Seabiscuit. He was kind, fast, and a great friend.”
Popcorn Deelites earned $56,880 in winnings during his racing career, which spanned six years and saw him compete in 58 events, Old Friends says.
