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...
Zed 9YO Wins G3 Winter Cup
Saturday’s $110,000 Group Three Winning Edge Presentations Winter Cup (1600m) at Riccarton continued an incredible ride for the connections of Chase (NZ) (Zed), who bought him for only $9,000 from Book 3 of Karaka 2018. Originally a $6,000 purchase by JD Corcoran when offered as a weanling from Valachi Downs in the 2017 National Weanling, Broodmare & Mixed Bloodstock Sale.
Too Darn Hot Mare Claims Third G1
Too Darn Hot (GB) will be a returning superstar to Darley NSW this spring and there is no doubt he can get an exceptional horse with Fallen Angel capturing her third Group I in France on Sunday when taking out the G1 Prix Rothschild (1m) at Deauville.
Sires With Winners - Monday August 4
Here is the full list of 26 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Blue Gum Farm Welcome First Foal of the Season
Victorian nursery Blue Gum Farm announced on Monday the arrival of their first foal of the season and there is no mistaking the sire of this gorgeous filly.
G1 Plans for Wexford Stable Mares
Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott have their sights set on the opening Group One of the season with a pair of talented mares, both of which appeared at the Taupo trials on Monday.
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.
Te Akau Stars Warm Up at Taupo Trials
Perennial bridesmaid Qali Al Farrasha headlined a strong contingent of trialists out of Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson’s stable at Taupo on Monday.
G1 Guineas Goal for Unbeaten Snitzel Filly
A quartet of well-performed fillies from Stephen Marsh’s stable took their first steps toward upcoming age group features when they stepped out at the Taupo trials on Monday.
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.
Nominees Announced for Australian Racehorse of the Year Awards
The nominees for the prestigious 2024/2025 Australian Racehorse of the Year awards have been announced today by Racing Queensland in association with Racing Australia.