‘Black Caviar’s owners cost themselves $10 million’: Thoroughbred Breeders Australia defends post-racing care

Thoroughbred breeding industry’s peak body defends Black Caviar’s owners after they were accused of being ‘only interested in profiting from her breeding career’ following the champion mare’s tragic passing.

Black Caviar wins the 2011 TJ Smith Stakes at Royal Randwick.

The thoroughbred breeding industry’s peak body has staunchly supported Black Caviar’s owners after criticism was levelled at them following the champion mare’s tragic passing.

Black Caviar gave birth to a colt by Snitzel last Saturday morning before she was humanely euthanized after a short battle with laminitis, a debilitating hoof condition that is sometimes fatal in horses.

The legendary American champion Secretariat lost his life to the same condition.

As the racing world mourned the loss of Black Caviar, just two days later her new-born colt lost his life despite receiving around-the-clock veterinary care.

This prompted some misinformation about Black Caviar’s owners being posted on social media, compelling Thoroughbred Breeders Australia to issue a statement addressing some of the commentary about the mare’s death and the thoroughbred breeding sector.

A statement from Thoroughbred Breeders Australia on the death of Black Caviar. pic.twitter.com/XNSIZHNFsH

— TB Breeders Aus (@AusBreeders) August 21, 2024

• The Top 10 wins of Black Caviar’s amazing career

“We believe there is no animal in Australia that receives the same level of care as the thoroughbred on Australian stud farms,’’ the TBA statement read.

“To try to quantify this, a stud form with 400 horses will likely have around 50 staff members to care for their needs. No animal production sector in Australia comes close to that level of staff per animal.

“Furthermore, many farms have their own veterinarians who are on call 24 hours a day.’’

The TBA statement also dismissed incorrect speculation that “Black Caviar’s owners were only interested in profiting from her breeding career”.

“The reality is they chose not to sell any of her progeny,’’ the statement continued. “This decision to retain her foals is likely to have cost them more than $10 million in unrealised returns – hardly the actions of people determined on making a profit.’’

Perfection! 💯

Do yourself a favour & watch Black Caviar's 25 wins from 25 starts 🍿

Which victory was your favourite? pic.twitter.com/ejIuDyuXEj

— Racing.com (@Racing) August 17, 2024

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TBA also noted that Black Caviar lived a remarkably healthy life.

“Before her recent case of laminitis, she had never been admitted to an equine hospital for treatment in the 11 years she lived in the Hunter Valley,’’ TBA pointed out. “Anyone who has owned horses will understand this is a notable achievement.

“Combined with this good health, Black Caviar was highly fertile. In thoroughbred breeding all conception happens without any artificial means, so the fact she was able to conceive and carry through nine pregnancies is testament to her good health.’’