Star Sprinter Heading Towards A Return

Giga Kick closing in on return

Giga Kick shot to fame in 2022 having gone undefeated on the way to winning the Everest as a three year old and was expected to go back to back this year before precautionary vets checks ended his Spring campaign after just one run.

After the checks Vets had found a torn muscle in Giga Kick’s hindquarters after he had completed his controversial McEwen Stakes run where he finished third behind NZ sprint sensation Imperatriz. 

Connections took issue with the ride of jockey Craig Williams who was subsequently relieved of his duties after the McEwen ride with Giga Kick given an awkward ride in his first assignment since winning the the Doomben 10,000 in May.

Rod Douglas, the current Racing Manager for Giga Kick’s owner Johnathan Munz, who was fined for his comments after Williams McEwen Stakes ride, said he expected the Everest winner to return to trackwork in the coming days.

"He's had a serious vet check this week but everything looks good with him," Douglas said.

"In all likelihood he'll start work next Monday.

"He had to go back for a follow-up check-up eight or nine weeks after the injury but we're really happy with him.

"It wasn't that bad of an injury anyway, it was just to confirm why he was sore after that race."

Douglas confirmed his rehabilitation had been successful and they had kept a close eye on Giga Kick’s diet as he had continued to grow during his time away from the track. 

"He had the internal tear in the back end but he's been on a rehab program and all that sort of stuff," Douglas said.

"He's had a good break.

"He's developed a bit more and we've had to watch his diet so he didn't get too big.

"He's grown and matured but we haven't let him get too heavy."

Douglas confirmed weight-for-age sprints, such as the Lightning Stakes, Challenge Stakes and TJ Smith Stakes would be among Giga Kick's targets for a return. 

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