The Everest champion Giga Kick won’t be summiting racing’s richest race after being ruled out of the lucrative $20 million race at Randwick.
The withdrawal of the Clayton Dougles-trained star leaves golden boy James McDonald without a ride in the 1200m sprint.
"It's obviously extremely disappointing."
— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) September 23, 2023
James McDonald on the Giga Kick news this morning. pic.twitter.com/8PKGzt3vUf
The 4YO gelding was ruled out due to a torn gluteal muscle suffered in the Group 2 McEwen Stakes at Moonee Valley earlier this month.
An assessment from a vet found there was inadequate time for Giga Kick to recover in time for the race in October.
Jockey James McDonald told channel 7 it was ‘disappointing’ and ‘devastating’ for both himself, stable and connections.
“It’s obviously extremely disappointing but more so for Clayton, Rocket (Rod Douglas), Mr Munz,” he said.
“They have put their heart and soul into this horse and they were going to be competing for a lot of money this preparation.
“It’s obviously devastating going from riding the favourite in one the biggest races all year to having no ride.
“It’s a bitter pill to swallow, it’s happened to me before.’’
The defending Everest champion was the favourite with Unibet with the Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman-trained I Wish I Win ($4.20) now the new race favourite ahead of the Joseph Pride-trained Think About It ($5.00).