Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m) favourite King Kirk has tragically passed away following a freak incident at Randwick Racecourse on Tuesday.
The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained colt drowned after panicking while swimming in the horse pool, a routine activity following his morning trackwork.
Earlier in the day, King Kirk had participated in a 740m two-year-old barrier trial at Randwick, marking his first public appearance since his debut win in the Group 3 Breeders’ Plate.
“Unfortunately, King Kirk has passed away this afternoon following an incident that occurred during his recovery,” the Waterhouse and Bott stable informed MyRacehorse owners in a statement.
“King Kirk was routinely swimming at the Randwick racecourse horse pool under the supervision of his regular handler and foreman, when he panicked, causing him to swallow a significant amount of water in the process.
“Despite the efforts by his handlers, ATC (Australian Turf Club) staff and veterinarians, he sadly could not be saved.”
The son of first-season stallion Ole Kirk had been the $15 favourite with horse racing bookmakers for next year’s $5 million Golden Slipper and was being targeted for January’s Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) at the Gold Coast, a race won last year by Waterhouse and Bott’s former star colt Storm Boy.
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