Super-mare Black Caviar remains undefeated after winning her 23rd straight victory in the Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning in front of a bumper crowd of 27,047 at Flemington today (Saturday).
The six-year-old broke the 1000 metre course record, which had stood for 25 years, beating stable mates Moment Of Change and Golden Archer for a Peter Moody trifecta.
Black Caviar stopped the clock at 55.42 seconds, clipping 0.08secs off Special’s previous mark, which had been the second-oldest track record at Australia’s most famous racecourse.
The VRC renamed the race in Black Caviar’s honour last November, at which time the mare had won the race in two consecutive years. Today’s win saw the world’s highest rated sprinter become the first horse ever to win the Lightning three times.
Moody said it was great to see her return as good as ever given her career looked over following her Diamond Jubilee Stakes win at Royal Ascot last June.
“We were on a hiding to nothing by bringing her back, the job was done and we thought it was over but to come back and do that and run a record…I’m lost for words,” Victoria’s premier trainer said.
“I think it was the first time I’ve been nervous for a long time – I suppose it was the seven-month break – but I’m just so proud of her.”
It was a case of more of the same from Black Caviar once the gates opened for the opening leg of both the G1 Sprint Championship and Global Sprint Challenge. After jumping moderately, she took up a forward position before putting her rivals to the sword at the 350 metre-to-go mark.
The $1.10 favourite quickly put four lengths on her rivals and cruised home for a 2-1/2 length victory.
Nolen, who has now ridden Black Caviar to 20 of her 23 wins and all but one of her 13 Group 1 victories, said he was surprised with how fast she went.
“She didn’t tow up like she can through the early and middle stages, but she towed me into it nicely and I gave her a squeeze because I didn’t want to get complacent with win 23,” he said.
“Because you’re out on your own and it is a big track when the rail is back to the true and the wind is going about you don’t get a real appreciation of how quick you are going.
“I had a look at the time when I rolled back in and I thought we might have gone a bit quicker than how it felt.”
Moody didn’t reveal post-race where Black Caviar is likely to race next, but indicated she will probably be among the second acceptances for the $1 million Lexus Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on 9 March when they are taken on Tuesday.
The VRC bolstered catering, staff, tote and transport arrangements to accommodate the large crowd, which included many dressed in Black Caviar’s salmon and black colour palette. The raceday – without Black Caviar – usually attracts an attendance of around 10,000.
VRC CEO David Courtney said it was important for the racing industry to harness the interest Black Caviar attracts.
“Black Caviar clearly drew a number of people to Flemington who either don’t usually attend at this time of year or are first-time racegoers. The atmosphere was electric and we are confident that all enjoyed an exhilarating experience on an historic day that will encourage them to return to the racetrack in the future,” Mr Courtney said.
“Flemington was a sea of salmon and black and families, in particular, took the opportunity to witness the champion sprinter of the world make history once again.”
Racegoers were encouraged to dress up with Keith Fisher from Newcombe taking home Black Caviar’s saddlecloth – signed by Peter Moody and Luke Nolen – for winning the best-dressed competition. Mr Fisher wore a bespoke salmon and black polka dot silk suit, which he had made on New York’s Madison Avenue, with matching shoes.
Racegoers of all ages flocked to the specially created Black Caviar Precinct on the Flemington front lawn for the Black Caviar walk of fame, photo booth and nail bar.
To mark the day, the Schweppes Flemington Fling bar served a signature Black Caviar cocktail, the Caviar Blush.
Black Caviar Lightning Day is the first of three Group 1 Flemington racedays during the Melbourne Festival of Racing. The Festival continues at Flemington with Australian Guineas Day on Saturday, March 2 and concludes with Super Saturday – featuring the Darley Australian Cup and Lexus Newmarket Handicap – on Saturday, March 9.