Owner insight: Jannene Madden shares her thoughts about being an owner of a legend
Black Caviar’s career brought joy not only to racing fans everywhere, but especially to her owners who enjoyed an amazing experience while she was racing and still do today.
Purchased as a yearling by a group of five families who had been longtime friends, Black Caviar was the first horse that we owned together. As she grew we eagerly awaited an opportunity to see her doing what she loves to do. It was soon apparent that this was to always to be out in front! Her competitive nature saw her first to the feed bin, never wanting to be overtaken in the pool, and from the time of her first trial, never being overtaken on the racetrack.
On the day of her first race at Flemington on 18 April 2009, all of the owners, some of our children and a handful of friends gathered for lunch not knowing what the future was to hold. As Black Caviar proved herself time and time again, everyone in our group would not be anywhere but at the track to see her perform. From that small rectangular table, our family of supporters grew.
It was such a wonderful opportunity for the owners to invite their parents, children and grandchildren to watch this mighty mare. We also loved inviting our extended families to come along and join in the excitement.
One of my memorable races was Black Caviar’s last race in Melbourne at Moonee Valley where I had invited all of my cousins and their partners to share in the fun. My cousins are spread all over Victoria, but they all made sure they were there to cheer her on.
As Black Caviar’s popularity grew within Australia and the racetracks were brimming with cheering faces, the racing clubs became very supportive of team Black Caviar. Large rooms were kindly made available where we could host her followers.
When we took her to Doomben on 14 May 2011, the committee arranged for a huge marquee beautifully positioned right beside the track. The sun shone beautifully as we all cheered her on to her thirteenth win.
Her twentieth and twenty-first races on 28 April and 12 May 2012 were held at Morphettville, where the committee very generously provided their large committee room to allow our family and friends to enjoy the spectacle of the record-breaking crowds on both days.
When Black Caviar raced at Royal Ascot on 23 June 2012 we were treated to a large elevated marque with seating for 135 of our closest family and friends. Each of the five owner families had their immediate family present, plus parents, sisters, brothers, cousins and close friends. It was such a wonderful experience for everyone.
After parties following each race meeting began at some stage in this incredible journey, which quickly became very popular and would continue well into the night!