Australia’s greatest sprinter Black Caviar has died aged 17 after battling laminitis. On Saturday afternoon, a group of owners of the legendary racehorse released a statement confirming his peaceful death just a day before his 18th birthday. She was humanely euthanized at Scone Equine Hospital after her foal was born on Saturday morning. “You don’t think it affects you,” trainer Peter Moody told reporters at Caulfield, as reported by Racing.com. “But you’d be a fool not to think so. It’s impossible not to join most animals, let alone ones like him. “He got a milk infection about a week ago and we treated him like all Thais. But like most things, it landed right at her feet.
“It killed his leg. “She gave birth to a baby Snitzel this morning and they soon put her to humane sleep. “I checked my leg yesterday and there was no bleeding at all. She had a little blood on her leg, but no, she was a very big girl. “I called all my employees and told them. “They were all very angry.”Black Caviar made 25 starts over four years and won all 25 races, including 15 at Group 1 level. After retiring in 2013, he was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame and amassed nearly $8 million in prize money.
“We are all shocked by today’s news,” Victoria Racing Club chairman Neil Wilson said in a statement. “Black Caviar was more than just a winning racehorse, she was an important part of many people’s lives. His brilliance, his presence and the joy and inspiration he brought to so many people was a special moment for horse racing and sport in general. He created a piece of history that will be remembered forever and it was a privilege for all who witnessed this great rider in action. “VRC had the privilege of running Black Caviar at Flemington in 2013 and running the namesake Lightning Stakes. He won the race three times, including the first year it was named after him. “We offer our sincere condolences to their loved ones, including their friends in the homeowner group. Our thoughts are with Black Caviar’s trainer Peter Moody and jockey Luke Nolen on this sad day. “He was the best.”
