Iconic Australian racehorse Black Caviar dies aged 17

The Australian horseracing community is in mourning after champion mare Black Caviar was died at the age of just 17.

Champion Australian racehorse Black Caviar has been put down after giving birth to a foal, a day before her 18th birthday, it was revealed on Saturday.

Black Caviar had been battling laminits, a painful condition in the hooves of horses that leads to more than seven per cent of equine deaths with many of the animals needing to be euthanised, according to the Royal Veterinary College of the University of London.

She was put down at Scone Equine Hospital after giving birth to a foal.

Black Caviar was undefeated in her 25 race starts, including claiming an Australian record 15 Group One victories, and earned just under $8 million over her career.

The champion mare’s passing was revealed by her owners, who released a statement announcing her tragic death.

“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,” the statement said.

“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 (1200 metres) at Royal Ascot.”

Luke Nolen on Black Caviar at Royal Ascot. Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images

Black Caviar’s trainer Peter Moody spoke to reporters at Caulfield on Saturday after the news of her death broke, saying: “She was a remarkable horse who gave us all the ride of a lifetime and wonderful memories”.

He also revealed the details that led to Black Caviar being euthanised.

“You don’t think it affects you,” Moody said.

“But you are being stupid not to think it doesn’t. It’s impossible not to get attached to most animals let alone one like her.

“She had a milk infection about a week ago and we just treated it like you do with all broodmares, But, like a lot of treatments, it went straight to her feet.

“Basically, it killed her feet.

“She had the foal this morning, a colt foal by Snitzel and they put her down shortly after that on humane grounds.

“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.

“I rang all the staff and told them. They were all very upset.”

While Black Caviar captivated Australia, she also drew eyes from across the world, being named the 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 World Thoroughbred Racehorse Rankings Champion Sprinter, as well as named equal first in 2013 overall rankings alongside French horse Treve.

Black Caviar didn’t only race in Australia either, having won the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2012 and was named the European Champion Sprinter at the Cartier Racing Awards, becoming the first horse from outside Europe to be honoured with the award.

She was officially retired from racing in 2013 and had a successful breeding career.

Black Caviar walking around the mounting yard before her exhibition gallop at Caulfield Racecourse on February 2, 2013. Photo by Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images

Victoria Racing Club chairman Neil Wilson said the news came as “a shock to us all”.

“Black Caviar was more than a champion racehorse, she was an important part of life for many people,” Wilson said via a statement.

“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.

“She was simply the best.”

Racing Victoria’s interim CEO Aaron Morrison, said: “Black Caviar was the people’s champion and there is no doubt that her passing will touch many.

“The night Melbournians packed out Federation Square to watch her conquer the world at Royal Ascot was testimony to her popularity.

“Racing fans here and abroad are privileged to have witnessed a career that is unparalleled remaining unbeaten in 25 starts, all at the elite level.

“On behalf of Racing Victoria and the broader industry, I would like to extend our condolences to Peter Moody, Luke Nolen and her owners who loved her dearly.

“Black Caviar will be forever remembered as a champion of the Australian turf. She is a horse that brought joy to so many.”

Alicia Nolen, the wife of jockey Luke Nolen, who rode Black Caviar to 23 of her 25 wins, took to Twitter to pay tribute.

Of all the photos of Black Caviar, this is Luke’s favourite.
Rest In Peace Nelly, thanks for all you did for our family and racing. You truly changed our lives and we are heartbroken today. 💔 🐎 pic.twitter.com/8Ql4W28WXA

— Alicia Nolen (@alicianolen) August 17, 2024

Herald Sun journalist Glenn McFarlane tweeted: “What a champ she was.”

SEN’s Giddy Up host Gareth Hall posted: “Black Caviar was perfect in everyway…Don Bradman made a duck in his last game, MJ lost championships, Phar Lap got beat but Black Caviar was perfect…Unbelievable athlete that had a heart that matched her freakish ability. RIP Nelly.”

Racing Pulse host on RSN927 Michael Felgate commented: “So sad to hear the legendary Black Caviar has died. What a horse she was.”