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| Staff Writer |
In a devastating blow to the racing world, the legendary mare Black Caviar passed away on Saturday, just one day shy of her 18th birthday. The undefeated sprinter, who captured the hearts of millions during her illustrious career, succumbed to complications following the birth of her ninth foal. Tragically, the newborn colt, sired by Snitzel, also lost his fight for life just a day later, compounding the sense of loss felt across the global racing community.
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Black Caviar's racing record stands as a testament to her greatness. Trained by Peter Moody, the 'Wonder from Down Under' amassed an unprecedented 25 wins from 25 starts between 2009 and 2013. Her dominance on the track saw her earn over US$5.3 million in prize money and secure her place as one of the greatest sprinters in the history of the sport.
Black Caviar's Group One victories read like a roll call of Australia's most prestigious races:
• Lightning Stakes (3 times)
• Newmarket Handicap
• William Reid Stakes (2 times)
• T J Smith Stakes (2 times)
• BTC Cup
• Patinack Farm Classic (2 times)
• C F Orr Stakes
• Futurity Stakes
• Robert Sangster Stakes
• The Goodwood
Her international exploits included a memorable triumph in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2012, cementing her status as a global superstar.
Black Caviar's impact extended far beyond the confines of the racetrack. She became a household name in Australia, transcending the sport to become a cultural phenomenon. Her popularity was such that she graced the cover of Vogue Australia in 2012, becoming the first animal to do so. Her distinctive salmon pink and black polka dot racing colours became instantly recognisable, spawning a range of merchandise including ties and even a line of equine shampoo and conditioner.
Matt Hill, a prominent Australian race caller, in an interview with the New York Times said, reflected on her unique status: "Very rarely do we get a horse that transcends the sport, but everybody, even if they didn't follow horse racing, knew who Black Caviar was."
The Final Furlong
Black Caviar's retirement in 2013 marked the end of an era in Australian racing. Then-Prime Minister Julia Gillard summed up the nation's sentiment, stating: "We've never seen anything like Black Caviar before and may never again."
In retirement, Black Caviar embarked on a new chapter as a broodmare. She produced nine foals over 11 years, including Prince of Caviar, Out Of Caviar, Ready For Caviar, and Invincible Caviar. Her final pregnancy, however, would prove to be her last.
On Saturday, August 17, 2024, Black Caviar gave birth to her ninth foal, a colt by leading sire Snitzel. Shortly after the birth, the mare's condition deteriorated rapidly. Moody revealed that Black Caviar had been battling a milk infection in the week leading up to the foaling, which tragically led to laminitis, a painful and often fatal condition affecting horses' hooves.
"Basically, it killed her feet," Moody explained to racing.com. "They scanned her feet yesterday and there was no blood flow at all to her feet. There was minimum blood flow to her feet anyhow, but there was none and she's such a big girl."
The decision was made to euthanise Black Caviar on humane grounds, bringing an end to the life of one of racing's greatest champions.
The racing world's grief was compounded when, just a day later, Black Caviar's connections announced that her newborn foal had also passed away. Despite receiving round-the-clock veterinary care, the colt could not be saved.
In a statement, Black Caviar's ownership group said: "The ownership group would like to thank the entire veterinary team who dedicated their time and efforts to caring for Black Caviar and her colt. The ownership group would also like to acknowledge and thank the Australian public and the racing public globally for the many tributes to Black Caviar. She was much loved and admired."
The loss of Black Caviar and her final foal is a significant blow to the thoroughbred racing and breeding industry. Her unparalleled success on the track had raised hopes for her progeny to continue her legacy.
While Black Caviar's nine foals represent a substantial contribution to the breeding industry, the loss of her final foal is particularly poignant. As a mare ages, her opportunities for successful breeding diminish, making each foal increasingly valuable. The Snitzel colt represented not only the culmination of Black Caviar's breeding career but also a potentially exciting prospect for the future of Australian racing.
The economic impact of Black Caviar's passing extends beyond the immediate loss of her and her foal. Her progeny have commanded significant prices at auction, with her first foal, Oscietra, selling for US$2.5 million as a weanling. The potential value of future offspring and their impact on the breeding industry has now been lost.
The news of Black Caviar's passing has sparked an outpouring of grief and tributes across Australia and the international racing community.
Victoria Racing Club chairman Neil Wilson expressed the sentiments of many: "Today's news is a shock to us all. Black Caviar was more than a champion racehorse, she was an important part of life for many people. Her brilliance, her presence and the pleasure and inspiration she gave to so many was a special moment in time for horse racing and sport more generally."
Those who worked closely with Black Caviar throughout her career have shared their memories and reflections on her impact.
Peter Moody, the trainer who guided her throughout her unbeaten career, was visibly emotional when discussing her passing. "You don't think it affects you," he said, "But you are being stupid to think it doesn't. It's impossible not to get attached to most animals, let alone one like her."
Mick Price, a close friend of Moody's who was present when Black Caviar was purchased as a yearling, reflected on her enduring legacy: "I think in our time, or certainly in my time, I will not see a sprinting mare that is going to win 25 in a row. She was trained perfectly, she raced perfectly, and 25 out of 25, it's something you only see in the story books."
While the racing world mourns the loss of Black Caviar and her final foal, her legacy as one of the greatest racehorses of all time remains secure.
Black Caviar's impact on the Australian racing industry cannot be overstated. At a time when the sport was facing declining attendance and interest, she reignited public passion for racing. Racecourses sold out when she was scheduled to run, and her appearances drew crowds reminiscent of racing's golden age.
Racing Victoria interim chief executive Aaron Morrison summed up her importance: "There is no doubt that her passing will touch many. The night Melburnians packed out Federation Square to watch her conquer the world at Royal Ascot was testimony to her popularity. Black Caviar will be forever remembered as a champion of the Australian turf. She is a horse that brought joy to so many."
Black Caviar's success story has inspired a new generation of racing enthusiasts and professionals. Her rise from a US$164,000 yearling purchase to global superstar serves as a testament to the potential for greatness within the sport.
While her own breeding career has come to a premature end, Black Caviar's influence on the thoroughbred breed will continue through her existing progeny. With nine foals already on the ground, including some showing promising signs on the racetrack, her genetic legacy has the potential to shape the future of Australian and international racing for years to come.
As the racing world comes to terms with the loss of Black Caviar and her final foal, attention will inevitably turn to her existing progeny and their potential to carry on her legacy.
Of Black Caviar's nine foals, several have already shown promise on the racetrack. While none have yet reached the dizzying heights of their dam's success, the racing public will be watching their careers with keen interest.
Discussions are already underway about how best to commemorate Black Caviar's extraordinary life and career. Proposals range from statues at major racecourses to the establishment of a race named in her honour.
The passing of Black Caviar and her final foal marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in racing history. Her unbeaten record of 25 wins from 25 starts may never be equalled, and her impact on the sport extends far beyond her on-track achievements.
As the racing world mourns, it also celebrates the life of a true champion. Black Caviar's legacy as the 'Wonder from Down Under' will endure, inspiring future generations of racing enthusiasts and serving as a reminder of the unifying power of a truly great racehorse.
In the words of Gerard Whateley, journalist and Black Caviar's biographer: "She's meant everything to Australian racing. She reminded everyone that there's such a predisposition toward loving racehorses in this country."
Black Caviar may have run her final race, but her story will continue to captivate and inspire for generations to come.