Popcorn Deelites, from the movie Seabiscuit, dies of colic at Old Friends Farm

Popcorn Deelites, best known for helping to bring Seabiscuit to life in the 2003 Oscar-nominated film, has died at Old Friends in Kentucky following complications from colic, the farm announced Thursday.

The 24-year-old gelding had been pensioned at the farm since 2005, alongside his sire, Afternoon Deelites.

“Pops’s Hollywood history made him an enormous fan favorite, of course,” Old Friends founder Michael Blowen said. “But what really won people over was his warm personality and friendly demeanor. Fans adored him, and he adored the fans. He will be sorely missed here on the farm, but I’m sure that his old pal and paddock mate, Special Ring, will miss him the most.”

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Popcorn Deelites won 11 of 58 starts, mostly in claiming contests, in a career that spanned six seasons, from 2000 to 2005. During that span, he was also one of several Thoroughbreds selected to portray Depression-era racing hero Seabiscuit. His numerous scenes throughout the film included Seabiscuit's victorious match race against Triple Crown winner War Admiral. He returned to racing following filming.

Retired Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens portrayed George Woolf, who rode Seabiscuit in the match race.

“Popcorn Deelites was a star in Seabiscuit,” Stevens said in the Old Friends release. “He was my go-to guy in all the big scenes. 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 that lived out his life at Old Friends in the paddock next to my other buddy, Silver Charm.”