Ole Kirk’s first stakes winner, King Kirk, died in a swimming pool accident Nov. 26, just hours after taking part in a barrier trial at Randwick.

The Gai Waterhouse- and Adrian Bott-trained Breeders’ Plate (G3) winner drowned after spooking during a swim at the Randwick horse pool during his recovery session from a fourth placing under jockey Tom Clark. 

“Unfortunately, King Kirk has passed away this afternoon following an incident that occurred during his recovery,” a statement from the Waterhouse and Bott stable read. 

“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, (Australian Turf Club) staff and veterinarians, he sadly could not be saved.”

King Kirk was an AU$300,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase out of Widden Stud’s draft for his trainers, Belmont Bloodstock and the MyRacehorse ownership group. He was the first foal to race out of Nicconi mare Oxford Angel. 

The chestnut claimed his group 3 victory over impressive trial winner Tempestuous  in his only start under Rachel King after a trial win at Randwick-Kensington in September. He was considered one of the favorites for the AU$5 million Golden Slipper Stakes (G1) at Rosehill Gardens Racecourse March 22.