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| Staff Writer |
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The margin between triumph and heartbreak in racing can often be measured in millimetres. In the aftermath of a nail-biting finish at The Gr.1 Everest, where Giga Kick came agonisingly close to claiming a second victory in Australia's richest race, Rodney Douglas of Pinecliff Racing reveals the champion sprinter's path forward. The 5YO gelding, who captured the 2022 Everest crown, has amassed over US$8.1 million in prize money, demonstrating his exceptional class.
The drama unfolded with 150 metres to go as Giga Kick made his characteristic late surge. "I was sort of surprised at about 150 metres. They put his head in front," Douglas recalls, his voice carrying pride and a hint of what might have been. What followed would prove decisive in the US$20 million showpiece.
"Mark [Zahra] said that he either put him down incorrectly, or put it (Giga Kick’s leg) in a hole, and he stumbled and lost. He'd become unbalanced for a few strikes," Douglas explains, analysing the moment that might have cost them victory. The stumble, barely perceptible to most observers, was enough to interrupt the powerful momentum Giga Kick had built up in his closing surge.
"If you watch the replay, you'll see him stumble. He became unbalanced for a few strikes, which might have been the difference between winning and losing," Douglas elaborates.
The path to this year's Everest carried extra significance for the Pinecliff Racing team. After missing the 2023 edition due to injury, Giga Kick's return to racing had been carefully managed. His preparation included a triumphant return in the Gr.1 Lightning Stakes at Flemington and a memorable victory in the Gr.1 Doomben 10,000 in Brisbane, bringing his career earnings beyond US$8.1 million.
The pre-race challenges began at the barriers. Douglas noted, "He was standing at the gate a while when Traffic Warden was scratched, and he jumped a bit slow, so that wasn't ideal." Despite these setbacks, the team maintains unwavering faith in both the horse and the rider.
"We're not crying over spilt milk. It was just one of those things that happened. We're very happy to run second," states Douglas.
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The focus now quickly shifts to Melbourne, where Giga Kick has already returned. "He arrived back in Melbourne today. He travelled overnight from Sydney," Douglas confirms, outlining their immediate plans. "We'll give him a few quiet days, and then we will have our vets go over towards the end of the week."
The target is clear: the Gr. 1 Champion Sprint, worth US$3 million, and scheduled for the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington. It's a race that could offer swift redemption, though Douglas emphasises they won't take any risks with their stable star.
Looking beyond the immediate horizon, Douglas maps out an ambitious campaign that speaks to their confidence in Giga Kick's abilities. "The plans will be to go forward in three weeks. And if he's okay, he'll prepare for Sydney in the autumn," he explains, outlining a programme that includes the Challenge Stakes and TJ Smith Stakes before a potential return to Brisbane to defend his Doomben 10,000 crown.
International ambitions, while tempting, remain on hold. "We decided not to go to Hong Kong because of injuries in the travels," Douglas reveals, prioritising the horse's wellbeing over global aspirations. The focus remains firmly on Australian soil, with another Everest campaign already in their thoughts for 2024.
The celebration following this year's Gr.1 Everest was notably different from their triumphant 2022 victory. "We went for dinner after the race, and we got a bit emotional and excited. It wasn't like how we can be when we win . We just celebrated a little bit, and had an early night," Douglas shares, providing a glimpse into the team's profound connection to their champion.
"Well, keep dreaming, and next year, we'll be holding the cup. You never know."he anticipates.
The 2022 Everest trophy, worth approximately US$325,000, sits proudly in a trophy cabinet at Jonathan's property alongside other Group One trophies - a testament to Giga Kick's remarkable achievements. Yet it's clear from Douglas's words that the team's ambitions remain as strong as ever.
As Giga Kick prepares for his next challenge at Flemington, his record speaks volumes: eight wins from fourteen starts, including three at Group One level, and a remarkable top-three finish rate exceeding 85%. Under the guidance of trainer Clayton Douglas, he has emerged from being a promising youngster and became one of Australia's most consistent and exciting sprinters.
The story of Giga Kick continues to evolve, with each chapter adding new layers to an already compelling narrative. As Douglas and the Pinecliff Racing team look ahead to the Champion Sprint and beyond, their unwavering belief in their champion suggests that the best pages of this story may still be waiting to be written. In the high-stakes world of Australian racing, Giga Kick remains a shining example of resilience, class, and the endless pursuit of excellence.