Breeders Plate Winner Dies in Tragic Pool Mishap

Tara Madgwick - Tuesday November 26

Ole Kirk’s first stakes-winner King Kirk was in action at the barrier trials at Randwick this morning, but in tragic news the winner of the Group III ATC Breeders Plate lost his life later in the day following an incident at the swimming pool.

Vale, King Kirk - image Steve Hart

The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained two year-old drowned after taking fright while having a swim at the Randwick racecourse horse pool during his recovery session this afternoon. He contested a 740m barrier trial earlier this morning to finish a comfortable fourth under a hold for Tim Clark.

"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.

Advertisement

"Despite the efforts by his handlers, ATC (Australian Turf Club), staff and veterinarians, he sadly could not be saved."

Ole Kirk was a $300,000 Magic Millions purchase from Widden Stud and had already won $141,000 for his big team of owners, who were no doubt dreaming of the Golden Slipper and will be devastated tonight.

Condolences to all  connected with this lovely colt that had the racing world at his feet.

Advertisment
More Reading...
King Kirk Triumphs for Ole Kirk in G3 Breeders' Plate
A magnificent start for Vinery Stud's Written Tycoon stallion Ole Kirk as King Kirk came with a barnstorming finish to make a winning debut in the Group III Arrowfield Breeders' Plate (1000m) at Randwick.
Jenni The Pride of Trelawney
Comeback mare Pride Of Jenni has given Trelawney Stud a number of reasons to look forward to the spring after a dashing victory in the Gr.2 Feehan Stakes (1600m) on Friday night.
She's Unusual Keeps Good Times Rolling
Continued success with resident stallion Unusual Suspect and their racing team has kept Nigel and Adaire Auret busier than they may have envisaged, but without any complaints.
2025 G1 The Metropolitan Field and Barrier Draw
Chris Waller and Ciaron Maher are set to have half of the Group I Metropolitan field between them with the Waller trained Birdman an easing favourite after drawing a wide gate for Saturday’s race.
Equimillion This Long Weekend – Draws and Start Lists
Racing NSW have their annual Equimillion event coming up this long weekend at Sydney International Equestrian Centre at Horsley Park and for people interested in off the trackers it’s a showcase for the sport, so let’s take a look at who’s who in the zoo.
Pedigree Potential –NZB Ready to Run – Nicks that Click
A quality packed catalogue for the 2025 NZB Ready to Run Sale is now online and in the lead up to the sale we’ll go looking each week for some horses of interest that jump out on pedigree for various reasons.
Karaka Million Dreaming for Out of the Blue
Te Akau Racing marketing manager Julia-Rose Hayes has had plenty of success syndicating horses selected by her father, David Ellis, and that has continued with her latest syndicate.
Sires With Winners - Monday September 29
Here is the full list of 22 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Best On Breeding
On October 1 1986, the Luskin Star filly Mother Duck won the Group III Gimcrack Stakes at Randwick, defeating a future dual Group 1 winner, Judyann, and became an instant cult heroine.
2025 G1 Epsom Handicap Field and Barrier Draw
The field and barrier draw has been decided for the Group I Epsom Handicap on Saturday with odds-on favourite and unbeaten mare Autumn Glow drawing the extreme outside gate in a field of 14.