Jockey Luke Nolen has led the tributes to champion racehorse Black Caviar who died a day shy of her 18th birthday on Saturday after a battle with laminitis.
The iconic Australian horse collected an astounding 25 wins from 25 starts across one of the most glittering careers seen in the modern era of racing.
Nolen, who rode Black Caviar in 22 of her 25 unbeaten starts, was grateful for the part he played in her glittery career.
FOLLOW LIVE: NRL round 24 Saturday action
READ MORE: Eels enforcer faces ban as star ruled out
READ MORE: ‘Saddening’: ‘Unjust’ Paris heartbreak confirmed
Jockey Luke Nolen riding Black Caviar. Getty
“I was very fortunate to be in the position I was in, to be part of her wonderful career,” he said.
“Most riders would give their right arm to get a chance to be a part of [a] chapter of racing history like I was, and I was fortunate enough I got to ride her most of her career.
“It’s a little bit of a hollow feeling [right now], a blur because she meant a lot to us.
“A bit numb, she was a wonderful part of my career.”
Nolen commended Black Caviar’s owners for how transformed the mare into a household name.
“We forged strong friendships because of this mare, and they remain intact to this day,” he said.
“She brought a lot of people [together], that core group [of owners)] around her and the greater community of racing.”
“She galvanised the whole racing industry, she was a great feel-good story and we don’t celebrate them enough and when they’re gone we wonder why we didn’t celebrate them enough.”
A statement from Black Caviar’s owners confirmed the devastating news on Saturday afternoon.
“She was a remarkable horse who gave us all the ride of a lifetime and wonderful memories,” trainer Peter Moody said.
Peter Moody, trainer of Black Caviar and jockey Luke Nolen after winning the Roberts Sangster Stakes on Oaks Day at Morphettville Racecourse. Getty
Moody went on to express his heartbreak at the loss.
“You don’t think it affects you,” he continued.
“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.”
He explained how bad the laminitis became, and how rapidly the champion horse declined as she prepared to give birth.
“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.”
Black Caviar gave birth to her foal on Saturday morning, before the call was made to humanely euthanise her at the Scone Equine Hospital.
“She had the foal this morning, a colt foal by Snitzel and they put her down shortly after that on humane grounds,” Moody said.
Black Caviar has died, she was 17. Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images
“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.
Moody also confirmed he was the one to share the news with those closest to the mare.
“I rang all the staff and told them. They were all very upset,” he said.
Victoria Racing Club chairman Neil Wilson sent his condolences to Moody and Black Caviar’s team.
“Black Caviar was more than a champion racehorse, she was an important part of life for many people,” Wilson said in a VRC statement.
The Lightning Stakes won by Black Caviar ridden by Luke Nolen in 2013. Sydney Morning Herald
“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.
“She was simply the best.”
Black Caviar’s astonishing career saw her collect close to $8 million, as well as ink her name into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame in 2013.
Source link : https://www.nine.com.au/sport/horse-racing/news-2024-black-caviar-dies-before-18th-birthday-greatest-racehorse-modern-era-20240817-p5k36k.html
Author :
Publish date : 2024-08-17 11:08:27
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.