Gossip Queen: Sculpture at Caulfield immortalises Black Caviar, jockey and trainer

After five long years, a bronze sculpture of champion racehorse Black Caviar is set to be unveiled at Caulfield Racecourse ahead of the Spring Racing Carnival. Was it worth the wait?

Continuing Melbourne’s infatuation with casting stars in bronze, super mare Black Caviar and her famous racing posse are being celebrated in statue form.

The unique statue, which has had a long and tumultuous path to its home at Caulfield Racecourse, captures the undefeated sprinter returning to scale with jockey Luke Nolen and trainer Peter Moody after one of her 25 victories.

The statue was sculpted by Richmond-based artist Mitch Mitchell, whose notable work includes the Don Bradman statue at the National Sports Museum and the Bob Rose statue at the Collingwood Football Club.

Back in 2017 Mitchell appeared on A Current Affair claiming he was owed almost $20,000 by Racing Victoria and would not hand the $230,000 statue over until he was paid.

Racing Victoria denied the allegation to ACA.

The new Black Caviar statue at Caulfield Racecourse. Picture: Ian Currie

Now five years after it was commissioned, the statue, which was funded as a joint venture between the State Government, Racing Victoria and the Melbourne Racing Club, has finally been positioned at Caulfield Racecourse near the pre-parade ring, and will be unveiled officially at the P.B. Lawrence Stakes Day on Saturday.

Black Caviar’s owners will be at the function.

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While Mitchell’s name appears to be missing from the guest list, the statue represents the third time he has cast Black Caviar.

He created the striking statue of her in full flight which stands in Nagambie and another private commission of the turf great.

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