World Champion sprinter Sacred Kingdom is fighting for his life after reportedly suffering a bout of colic on Thursday.The Hong Kong-based sprinter was due to depart Hong Kong airport for Japan in preparation for the Group One Takamatsunomiya Kinen on March 27 at Chukyo Racecourse.However, the flight never departed as the six-year-old showed signs of distress prior to takeoff.Sacred Kingdom was treated with sedatives on the tarmac, but his condition deteriorated dramatically soon after."By the t

World Champion sprinter Sacred Kingdom is fighting for his life after reportedly suffering a bout of colic on Thursday.

The Hong Kong-based sprinter was due to depart Hong Kong airport for Japan in preparation for the Group One Takamatsunomiya Kinen on March 27 at Chukyo Racecourse.

However, the flight never departed as the six-year-old showed signs of distress prior to takeoff.

Sacred Kingdom was treated with sedatives on the tarmac, but his condition deteriorated dramatically soon after.

"By the time the chief vet from Hong Kong Jockey Club arrived, the horse needed immediate surgery," trainer Ricky Yiu told The Age.

Depending on the success of the initial surgery, a second operation may be required.

Sacred Kingdom has won 15 times in 23 starts, including the Hong Kong International Sprint in December.

He last raced on February 21, defeating Sunny King in the Group One Chairman's Sprint (1200m) at Sha Tin.