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Ad Black Caviar ridden by Luke Nolen wins Black Caviar Lightning at Flemington Racecourse on February 16, 2013. Racing Photos.

Black Caviar: Simply the Best

17 August 2024 Written by VRC

It is with deep sadness that the Madden, Hawkes, Wilkie, Taylor and Werrett families wish to advise that champion mare Black Caviar passed away peacefully today. 

Black Caviar was a once-in-a-lifetime horse, most famous for her stellar racing career which saw her undefeated with 25 wins from 25 starts. 
 
Since racing retirement, Black Caviar has continued her successes as a broodmare, with her legacy to continue through her sons and daughters.  

The ownership group are devastated, however will reflect on her glittering achievements not only in Australia where she transcended racing and captured the hearts of the public, but in England where she famously won the 2012 Group 1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes (1200m) at Royal Ascot. 

Trainer Peter Moody reflected on his time with Black Caviar.

“She was a remarkable horse who gave us all the ride of a life time and wonderful memories.”

The ownership group would like to thank all those who cared for Black Caviar during her racing career and during her retirement, including vets Amy Duff, Joan Carrick, and the team at Scone Equine Hospital led by Troy Butt & Peter Carrigan, Mick Malone and Pauline Alix together with the whole team at North, Peter Moody and his racing team for their care through her racing career and jockey Luke Nolen for successfully guiding her to 23 of her 25 wins. 
 
Black Caviar’s 18th birthday is tomorrow, Sunday 18th August and she will be celebrated by all who knew and loved her. 

Victoria Racing Club (VRC) Chairman Neil Wilson extended his condolences on behalf of the VRC. 

“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.  She has created a piece of history that will be remembered forever, and it was a privilege for all who saw this wonderful equine athlete in action,” Mr Wilson said. 

“The VRC was privileged to have Black Caviar race at Flemington and to have the Lightning Stakes named after her in 2013, a race she won three times including the first year it was named in her honour.  

“Our heartfelt condolences go out to those close to her, including our friends in the ownership group. To Black Caviar’s trainer Peter Moody and jockey Luke Nolen, our thoughts are with you on this sad day. 

“She was simply the best.” 

Black Caviar retired in 2013 as the winner of 25 races from 25 stars including 15 Group 1 races and $7,953,936 in prizemoney.  

The ownership group thank the public for their support and request privacy during this time.