Promising two-year-old Gai Waterhouse-trained racehorse drowned in freak pool incident

A two-year-old racehorse has tragically died following a freak accident at Sydney’s Randwick Racecourse on Tuesday.

King Kirk, trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, drowned in the horse pool while completing a routine rescue.

This follows the horse’s entry into the two-year-old 740 meter barrier at his home turf at Randwick.

The horse was the favorite for next year’s $5 million Golden Slipper prize and was making his first appearance since his maiden victory at the Group Three Breeders’ Plate.

A statement from the Waterhouse and Bott stable to MyRacehorse owners said: ‘Unfortunately, King Kirk passed away this afternoon following an incident during his recovery.’

‘King Kirk was regularly swimming in the horse pool at Randwick racecourse under the supervision of his supervisor and foreman when he became alarmed, causing him to swallow a significant amount of water in the process.

Two-year-old racehorse King Kirk tragically died after drowning in freak accident

The horse was completing a routine swimming session at the Randwick Racecourse horse pool in Sydney.

Kirk ‘panicked’ and drowned while routinely swimming in Randwick Racecourse horse pool

‘Despite the efforts of his doctors, ATC (Australian Turf Club), staff and vets he unfortunately could not be saved.’

The news follows a statement from members of the racing union earlier on Tuesday claiming he had returned without incident.

Following the foaling hearing they told MyRacehorse.com: ‘He seems to have come back in magnificent order. He had a relatively easy time but it was great to see his maturity as he relaxed at the back during the run. Given some room, his foot return to the line was electric under minimal drive.

‘He’ll probably do another trial in 2 weeks and get a lot of improvement from today’s trip.’

However, a later post on MyRacehorse would confirm this sad news.

“Our thoughts are with you, his owners who love and support him, and the barn staff who care for him with great devotion every day,” the statement said.

‘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 us all, but we take solace in the memories of his achievements, his strength and his spirit.

‘King Kirk will be greatly missed but will remain in our hearts forever.’