King Kirk (Aus), one of the most promising two-year-olds in Australia following his debut win in the G3 Breeders' Plate at Randwick last month, has died as a result of a freak accident, Racenet reported on Tuesday.
Trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, King Kirk had participated in a barrier trial earlier in the day as he continued his preparation for a tilt at the R. Listed Magic Millions 2YO Classic on the Gold Coast on Saturday, January 11.
However, the son of first-season sire Ole Kirk (Aus) reportedly encountered difficulties during a routine swim after his exercise on the track and could not be saved.
In a release seen by Racenet, the Waterhouse and Bott stable told MyRacehorse syndicate members involved in the colt, “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.
“Despite the efforts by his handlers, ATC [Australian Turf Club], staff and veterinarians, he sadly could not be saved.”
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