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| Staff Writer |
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Rodney Douglas, racing manager for Pinecliff Racing, reveals their star sprinter's challenging journey and ambitious plans as he prepares for Australia's richest race.
As the spring racing carnival approaches, a story of Resilience and Determination is unfolding on the Australian turf. Giga Kick, the gelding who captured the nation's imagination by winning The Everest in 2022 as a virtual 3YO, is set to make a triumphant return after a year-long absence due to injury. With the £10.4 million The Everest looming on the horizon, the racing world holds its breath, eager to see if this phenomenal sprinter can reclaim his crown.
The road to recovery began with a devastating setback. Douglas recounts the moment they realised the extent of Giga Kick's injury.
"He got injured in the McEwen Stakes, and he hasn't raced for 12 months this Saturday. He tore a hamstring off the bone from his back leg internally, up to his hip. We don't know how he did it, but he came out of the race torn."
This injury, sustained during the Gr.2 McEwen Stakes in September 2022, would have spelt the end of many horses' careers. However, for Giga Kick and the dedicated team at Pinecliff Racing, it marked the beginning of an intensive rehabilitation process.
Under the guidance of veterinary experts, including Dr Anderson from Ballarat Veterinary Clinic and the stable's vet, Dave McKellar, a meticulous programme was designed to rehabilitate the hamstring. The goal was not just recovery, but to bring Giga Kick back to his championship form.
"We set up a programme to rehabilitate the hamstring and hope to reattach and get some fibrous tissue back around it," Douglas explains. "He's been in work now probably five or six months on this rehab course, just slow walk-ups, build-ups all the way through."
The rehabilitation process was a testament to modern veterinary science and the team's dedication.
"So, we started galloping him probably three months ago, doing short, sharp gallops under the guards. We're waiting for more ultrasounds, and the hamstring, fortunately, is reattached, and it's as strong as it's ever been." Douglas details the careful approach.
The rehabilitation process for Giga Kick was meticulous and multi-faceted. It began with slow walk-ups and gradual build-ups over several months, eventually progressing to short, sharp gallops under close supervision. Throughout the process, regular ultrasounds were conducted to monitor the hamstring's reattachment. To ensure controlled exercise, the team utilised water walkers and treadmills as part of the recovery regimen.
With The Everest as the ultimate target, Giga Kick's return to racing has been carefully plotted. His first race back is scheduled for this Saturday in the Gr.2 Concorde Stakes at Royal Randwick, a race that has historically been a key lead-up to The Everest.
Douglas expresses cautious optimism about Giga Kick's chances as he says,
"Even though he's been 12 months off the scene, he's such a good horse. We're not discarding that he might even win on Saturday."
Recent trials have shown promising signs, bolstering the team's confidence. Douglas shares,
"Last Friday, James [McDonald] trialed him on the course proper at Randwick, and he trialed like his old self. He went fast and picked up good horses and he's come through that well."
Giga Kick's comeback trail has been carefully mapped out with strategic race selections. His return to racing is scheduled for the Gr.2 Concorde Stakes at Royal Randwick this Saturday, which has historically been a key lead-up race to The Everest. Following this, he will compete in the Gr.2 Premiere Stakes four weeks later. The pinnacle of his comeback campaign will be The Everest, scheduled two weeks after the Premiere Stakes.
Douglas emphasises the importance of the two-week backup between the Premiere Stakes and The Everest.
"His two-week backups have been when he's won the Everest, and he's won an All-Age Stakes in those Group Ones. So he's very dominant on the 14-day backup."
One of the most intriguing aspects of Giga Kick's return is how he has physically developed during his time away from racing. Douglas reveals the extent of this transformation,
"When he won the Everest, he wasn't three. By birth date, he was still two. It was his birthday two weeks later. So, he was very immature."
Now, Giga Kick presents a more imposing figure. Douglas elaborates,
"He's probably 40 or 50 kilos stronger than he was, and a lot of this has contributed to the slow build-up, with his muscle dried up. To me, he's a lot stronger; whether he's faster, I'm not sure, but he certainly hasn't lost any of his ability in these lead-up to the trials."
This physical development could translate to even more impressive performances on the track, adding another layer of excitement to Giga Kick's comeback.
While the immediate focus is on The Everest, Douglas and the Pinecliff Racing team are already considering Giga Kick's future campaign. The gelding's versatility and strength open up numerous possibilities for high-profile races across Australia.
Douglas outlines some potential targets, saying,
"We've got an option of bringing him back to Melbourne for the end of the spring carnival, which is, I think it's a £1.6 million sprint up the straight. We could probably run in there. He's had a couple of runs up the straight, and he won the Danehill and a two-year-old race here."
Looking further ahead, Douglas adds,
"Then I assume he would have to have a spell before the autumn, and we'd probably bring him back up for races like the TJ Smith and All Age Stakes and those sorts of races that he's won and been competitive in, and maybe wintering in Brisbane."
There's even speculation about international opportunities, with Douglas mentioning,
"I guess the long-term future, I don't know. I mean, we probably could look at Hong Kong with him. I suppose races like that are very, very valuable races."
However, Douglas is quick to emphasise the importance of the horse's well-being.
"But now he's had an injury... you might be a bit reluctant to travel. I guess injuries get complex in this aspect. You've just got to monitor. He's won £5 million. How far do you go? The horse's well-being is probably at the top of what we want to do, “he says.
The story of Giga Kick is not just about a horse's comeback; it's a testament to the unpredictability and romance of horse racing. As Douglas recounts, Giga Kick was initially considered one of the least impressive yearlings in a crop of 40, valued at around £7,000 in a stable that routinely produces yearlings selling for £340,000 or more.
"We kept this one. Our bloodstock agent, Dean Hawthorne, decided to keep him, and we gave him to my nephew. And as it turns out, he turned out to be the best horse we've had. It's a fairy tale thing for me."
This "fairy tale" has already seen Giga Kick amass over £3.2 million in prize money, making him Pinecliff Racing's highest-ever stakes earner. Douglas reflects on the horse's impressive record,
"He's only had 11 starts, and you might argue that he should nearly be unbeaten. He missed the start; he was far away in the challenge stakes and ran third. Another filly ran at the fastest last 600 ever recorded in the last 12 years."
As Giga Kick prepares to make his long-awaited return to the track, the excitement in Australian racing circles is palpable. His performance in the Concorde Stakes this Saturday will be closely scrutinised, not just by his connections, but by racing fans and potential Everest slot holders alike.
Douglas outlines their expectations for the comeback race.
"We ideally love to see him win, but if he's finishing strongly, which he will be up the hill at Randwick, you just want to see a fast-finishing performance. Because he gets off the speed. And if he could win, that'd be great. But if he runs second or third and finishes strongly, and he's a bit rusty, first up, we'll accept that."
The racing manager also hints at Giga Kick’s well-known explosive finish as he conveys,
"If he's within three lengths of them, getting to the 250-metre mark tomorrow, and his fitness holds out... He's got such a whirlwind finish in a track like Randwick; it suits him because it's got such a big rise in the straight. He's a powerful finisher."
Douglas's role as racing manager for Pinecliff Racing puts him at the centre of Giga Kick's remarkable journey.
"I don't manage the bloodstock, as in the broodmares and foals, but when they're racing and turn into yearlings and broken in, they come to me and we discuss where they go." He provides insight into the operation.
This collaborative approach has led to significant success for owner Johnathan Munz and Pinecliff Racing. Douglas notes,
"Jonathan has had numerous good horses, and in recent years, Super Step is now a very good stayer, and he won the Caulfield Guineas. So, he's had great success. He breeds a lot of nice horses, and he deserves the success he gets."
For Giga Kick, the Pinecliff Racing team, and racing fans across Australia, the next few weeks promise to be a thrilling ride. As this remarkable horse embarks on the next chapter of his career, one thing is certain— the racing world will be watching every stride.
The story of Giga Kick serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of horse racing, the dedication required to bring a champion back from injury, and the enduring allure of the sport. As he prepares to face the
starter once more, Giga Kick carries not just the hopes of his connections, but the admiration of a nation of racing fans eager to see if this fairy tale has more chapters to unfold.