Golden Slipper favourite drowns in freak pool accident, as much as $4.5 million lost
By Craig Kerry
King Kirk, a two-year-old on a path towards paydays totalling $4.5 million in the next four months, drowned in a training pool accident at Randwick on Tuesday.
The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained colt was recovering from a trial run when he panicked and swallowed a significant amount of water, the stable said.
“Despite the efforts by his handlers, ATC [Australian Turf Club], staff and veterinarians, he sadly could not be saved,” a statement said.
Rachel King rides King Kirk, right, to victory in the Breeders Plate.Credit: Getty Images
King Kirk had run fourth in a 740-metre trial on Tuesday morning, enough for jockey Tim Clark to say he “was going to be a force in the Magic Millions” in January.
With first place in that race carrying a cheque of $1.7 million and March’s Golden Slipper boasting a $2.8 million bounty for the winner, owners and trainers have many reasons to feel disconsolate.
The two-year-old was a $300,000 yearling purchase this year at the Magic Millions sales on the Gold Coast.
At his only start, King Kirk won the $250,000 group 3 Breeders Plate (1000m) at Randwick on October 5, putting him at the top of betting markets for the $5 million Golden Slipper (1200m) – the premier race for two-year-olds – at Rosehill in March.
Clark, one of the Waterhouse-Bott stable’s go-to jockeys, said King Kirk showed in his first trial back that he was on track for more success as he prepared for January’s Magic Millions carnival on the Gold Coast.
Sydney training royalty Gai Waterhouse.Credit: Getty Images
“It was very distressing news to come through, and I feel for all the staff and connections, and everyone involved,” Clark said.
“I actually trialled him in the morning, and he felt like he was going really good and was going to be a force in the Magic Millions, but shocking news, and condolences to all involved.”
The Waterhouse-Bott stable told connections in a press release on Tuesday that: “Unfortunately, King Kirk has passed away this afternoon following an incident that occurred during his recovery.
“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.”
On Tuesday, the stable released a public statement in which it said: “This is an incredibly difficult time for everyone involved, as we mourn the loss of this immensely talented colt.
“It is a heartbreaking loss not only for his ownership group, but also for the entire team at Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, and our thoughts go out to all those who had the privilege of working with and supporting King Kirk during his career. He will be greatly missed.”
Waterhouse’s eight Golden Slipper wins is the record for a trainer.
John Thompson-trained Bel Merci and the Hawkes team’s West Of Swindon were joint favourites for the Golden Slipper at $17 with Sportsbet after the loss of King Kirk.