Golden Slipper favourite drowns in freak accident

A star two-year-old has drowned following a freak incident at the Randwick barrier trials on Tuesday.

King Kirk drowned at the Randwick racecourse pool. Picture: Jeremy Ng - Getty Images

Golden Slipper favourite King Kirk is dead after a freak incident on Tuesday.

The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained galloper drowned after taking fright while having a swim at the Randwick racecourse horse pool.

Earlier in the day King Kirk contested a 740m two-year-old barrier trial on his home track.

ALBANY ROAD (2 c Exceed and Excel - Miss Toorak Flyer) swoops late to score a trial win over 740m at Randwick for @GaiWaterhouse1 & Adrian Bott 🔥

The three-quarter brother to Gr 3-winner FLYER was a $650k buy for his trainers with @shbloodstock from @RosemontStud at @mmsnippets… https://t.co/BJhbMDmVtIpic.twitter.com/QcdNjpovom

— ANZ Bloodstock (@anz_news) November 26, 2024

“Unfortunately, King Kirk has passed away this afternoon following an incident that occurred during his recovery,” a release from the Waterhouse and Bott stable told owners of MyRacehorse.

“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.”

King Kirk, a son of first season stallion Ole Kirk, was the early $15 favourite for next year’s $5 million Golden Slipper after his impressive debut win in the Group 3 Breeders’ Plate.

Tuesday’s fourth placing in a barrier trial was the colts first public appearance en route to a tilt at January’s Magic Millions 2YO Classic at the Gold Coast, a race won last year by Waterhouse and Bott’s former star colt Storm Boy.

Originally published as Golden Slipper favourite drowns in freak accident