Australian jockey Luke Nolen says he feels “numb” after the death of champion racehorse, Black Caviar.
The iconic Australian sprinter famously won 25 times from 25 starts in an impossibly decorated career, the likes of which we may never see again.
Her passing on Saturday, just a day shy of her 18th birthday, rocked the Australian racing industry.
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The once-in-a-generation mare had been battling laminitis for some time, and connections made the devastating decision to put her down on Saturday morning, shortly after she gave birth to a colt foal.
“It was the only humane thing to do,” trainer Peter Moody said on RSN.
“I’ve known she’s been a little bit ill for a few days.
“We were hoping and hoping. But she fought a good fight like she always did each and every time she stepped out onto a racetrack.”
Nolen mounted Black Caviar in 22 of her 25 unbeaten rides.
“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.
“(I feel) a bit numb, she was a wonderful part of my career.”
The jockey said Black Caviar’s legacy will be more than just winning races.
“She brought a lot of people (together), that core group (of owners) around her and the greater community of racing,” he said.
“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.”
In 2013, she was the No.1 ranked horse in the World Thoroughbred Rankings, and she was also the world’s No.1 champion sprinter in four consecutive years from 2010-13.
She retired from racing in 2013.
A statement from Black Caviar’s ownership group confirmed the sad news on Saturday.
“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 (1200m) at Royal Ascot.”
