- King Kirk tragically passed away after a freak accident on Tuesday
- The horse was a favorite to win the $5 million Golden Slipper race next year.
A two-year-old racehorse has tragically died following a freak accident at Randwick Racecourse in Sydney on Tuesday.
King Kirk, who was trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, drowned in a horse pool while completing a routine recovery activity.
This came after the horse had taken part in a two-year-old 740m barrier at Randwick, his home track.
The horse was a favorite to win next year’s $5 million Golden Slipper and had been making his first appearance since his debut in the Group Three Breeders’ Plate.
“Unfortunately, King Kirk passed away this afternoon following an incident that occurred during his recovery,” a statement from the Waterhouse and Bott stable to MyRacehorse owners said.
‘King Kirk was regularly swimming in the horse pool at Randwick Racecourse under the supervision of his usual supervisor and foreman, when he panicked, causing him to swallow a significant amount of water in the process.
Two-year-old racehorse King Kirk has tragically died after drowning in a freak accident.
The horse had been completing a routine swimming session in the horse pool at Randwick Racecourse in Sydney.
Kirk had been swimming regularly in the horse pool at Randwick Racecourse when he ‘panicked’ and drowned.
“Despite the efforts of his keepers, the ATC (Australian Turf Club), staff and veterinarians, sadly he could not be saved.”
The news came after members of the racing union issued a statement earlier Tuesday, stating that he had returned in good condition.
After the colt’s testing, they visited MyRacehorse.com to state, “He seems to have returned in fantastic order.” He had a relatively good time, but it was great to see his maturity as he relaxed at the back during the run. Once given some space, his foot turn to the line was electric with minimal drive.
“He will probably have another test in two weeks and will get a lot of improvements from today’s outing.”
Despite that, a subsequent post on MyRacehorse would also confirm the sad news.
“Our thoughts are with all of you, his owners, who loved and supported him, and with the stable staff who cared for him so lovingly every day,” the statement read.
‘We know how much this loss will weigh on everyone and we are here to support you in any way we can.
‘Today is a difficult day for all of us, but we are comforted by the memory of your achievements, your strength and your spirit.
“King Kirk will be deeply missed, but he will remain in our hearts forever.”