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| Staff Writer |
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In a stunning turn of events, the current title holder of The Everest, Giga Kick, has been pulled out of the highly anticipated A$20 million race. As a result of a torn gluteal muscle that the talented racehorse sustained during the widely-discussed Gr.2 McEwen Stakes, the entire will. Not be able to defend his title, leaving fans and experts alike astounded.
A detailed veterinary assessment of the injury resulted in pragmatic advice that there was "insufficient time to have the horse recovered and ready for his spring targets".
"I have arguably the best horse in the country, who was set to have a great spring running in races carrying A$30 million in prizemoney, but unfortunately he is going to the paddock. That's racing," trainer Clayton Douglas said.
"I am still amazed that he only got beaten 2½ lengths last start after missing the start by two lengths and injuring himself in the race, after what Craig (Williams) acknowledged was a poor ride.
"I can't be prouder of my horse, who is tough and brave and he will come back for what will hopefully be a drama-free autumn preparation.
"The vets assessed it as an injury most likely caused by overexertion at high speed."
The 4YO horse would also skip the Premiere Stakes at Randwick, which was scheduled for the upcoming Saturday.
Super star jockey James Mcdonald is now without a ride for The Everest, as both Nature Strip and Giga Kick, the horses he was set to ride, are no longer available. McDonald expressed his disappointment and acknowledged that his chances of finding a suitable replacement ride were becoming increasingly slim.
"It's extremely disappointing, but probably more so for Clayton and Rocket (Rod Douglas), they put their heart and soul into this horse and they were going to be competing for a lot of money this preparation," McDonald told channel 7.
"It's obviously devastating going from riding the favourite in one of the biggest races all year to having no ride. It's a bitter pill to swallow but it's happened to me before.
"Being a slot race there are not horses that are confirmed. There is only five left, probably two of them are going to be three-year-olds, and they won't get my weight this close to the race.
"So there's only three left I can really pick from, if they haven't got chosen jockeys already. At the moment it's looking slim."
Giga Kick, the reigning champion, became the second 3YO to emerge victorious in The Everest, securing a remarkable win last year. With James Harron as the winning slot holder, Giga Kick aimed to defend his title for the upcoming 2022 race. Inspired by Redzel, the inaugural Everest winner who achieved the impressive back-to-back triumph in 2017 and 2018 under the guidance of trainers Peter and Paul Snowden, Giga Kick aspired to replicate this remarkable feat.
The unexpected setback undoubtedly brings disappointment and frustration for trainer Clayton Douglas and the entire team behind Giga Kick.
As the racing world mourns the absence of Giga Kick, attention turns to the other contenders vying for The Everest crown. With the defending champion forced to step aside, a new opportunity arises for other talented horses to claim the coveted title.