Unbeatable: Black Caviar won her 24th consecutive race at Moonee Valley in Melbourne
Australian champion sprinter Black Caviar galloped into the record books with the 24th straight victory of an illustrious career after winning the (1200m) William Reid Stakes on Friday. It was the six-year-old star sprinter’s 14th Group I win.
More than 25,000 fans had gathered at the Moonee Valley Racing Club to watch what was billed as her Melbourne swansong and the six-year-old unbeaten mare did not let them down.
The Peter Moody-trained champion comfortably won the seven-horse race under lights to match galloper Kingston Town’s Australian record of 14 Group One victories. Stablemate Karuta Queen came second.
Black Caviar last raced on February 16 after an eight-month break. She narrowly won the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot, England on June 23 but faced possible retirement after tearing a quadriceps muscle at Ascot. She underwent laser therapy and exercise in a water walker – the equine version of water aerobics – to return for another season. There have been persistent reports that trainer Peter Moody will soon retire Black Caviar, although she is likely to race next month at Randwick. Tonight, Moody said “never say never” when asked if Black Caviar might race another season.
‘I’ve thought that for a while and I’m glad she’s proven me right twice in a row,’ he said.
‘It’s great and to see the people out here and see her put on a wonderful show. There were 25,000 fans in attendance to watch the great horse race. That’s what it’s about now – it’s not about the wins, it’s about the great publicity she gives the sport in general.For our industry, she’s second to none.’
‘It was probably a lovely second start for this preparation, because she had a fair gut-buster first up in the Lightning when she ran a track record, so just to ease back into the prep off a nice run tonight it will be onwards and upwards hopefully,’ jockey Noelen told www.racingvictoria.net.
Moody has now set his sights on the Group One TJ Smith Stakes over six furlongs at Randwick on April 13.
He said: ‘The only thing that will stop her is wet tracks. All being well, we head off to Sydney for the TJ now.’
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All eyes are expected to be on Black Caviar’s yearling half-brother earlier that week when he steps into Inglis’ Newmarket sale ring as Lot 131 at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale on Tuesday April 9. The colt by Redoute’s Choice from Helsinge will be offered from the draft of Three Bridges Thoroughbreds on behalf of Gilgai Farm.
After the TJ Smith many will be hoping Black Caviar might step up to the 1400m of the All Aged Stakes on April 27, where the world champion sprinter would clash with champion half-brother All Too Hard and Sydney’s champ More Joyous.
Black Caviar
Race Record: 24 starts for 24 wins, including 14 Group 1’s
Prizemoney: A$7,348,936
Breeding: Bel Esprit x Helsinge (by Desert Sun)
Breeder: Rick Jamieson of Gilgai Farm
Sale: $210,000 at 2008 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale
Buyer: Peter Moody Racing
