Te Akau Racing (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle) has announced the death of dual Group One winner Te Akau Shark after he succumbed to a series of health complications.

The six-year-old gelding developed a degenerative eye condition during the 2020 Sydney autumn carnival and underwent surgery for the issue last year.

He failed to recover completely and was retired from racing in December.

Te Akau Racing issued a statement confirming the horse’s death on Thursday.

“It is with immense pain and sadness that we announce that our beloved Te Akau Shark has lost his brave health battle,” Te Akau Racing said.

“We are shattered by your loss and will be eternally grateful to have had you, our great red giant, in our lives.”

The horse with the cult following won seven of his 14 starts including the Gr.1 Chipping Norton Stakes (1600m) and the Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m).

The Jamie Richards-trained galloper also finished third to Lys Gracieux in the 2019 Gr.1 Cox Plate (2040m).

Part-owned by rugby league great Paul Gallen, Te Akau Shark amassed more than A$1.5 million in prize money.

Te Akau Shark has been laid to rest at Te Akau Stud.