With a firm place in the hearts of Australian racing fans, Black Caviar’s astonishing achievements before her retirement in 2013 re-ignited a passion for the sport. As we anticipate another stellar Black Caviar Lightning Race Day, we look back at her remarkable career.
The beginning of greatness
Some champions are born, and some are made. Black Caviar was both. Foaled on August 18, 2006, the imposing daughter of Bel Esprit and Helsinge was bred for speed but would become a legend.
Trained by Peter Moody and owned by a loyal syndicate, she stepped onto the track with the promise of something special.
From the moment she debuted at Flemington in April 2009, winning by five lengths, it was clear that Australian racing had a phenomenon on its hands.
The streak begins
Black Caviar was a force of nature. Over the next four years, she would line up 25 times and never know defeat – a feat unmatched in modern racing. With each dominant performance, her legend grew.
She didn’t just win; she demolished fields, gliding over the turf with an effortless, economical action.
Her early victories in the 2010 Patinack Farm Classic (now VRC Champions Sprint) and 2011 Lightning Stakes cemented her as the world’s premier sprinter. But this was only the beginning.
Black Caviar conquers the world, winning the Group 1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes (1200m) at Royal Ascot in 2012. (Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
A global sensation
Racing fans across the world took notice. Black Caviar wasn’t just winning – she was rewriting history. She secured an unprecedented 15 Group 1 wins, including three consecutive Lightning Stakes victories (2011-2013), a record still unmatched.
In 2012, she embarked on her most daring mission yet – Royal Ascot. Travelling halfway across the world for the Diamond Jubilee Stakes, Black Caviar carried the weight of Australian racing on her back. In a heart-stopping finish, she held off the fast-finishing Moonlight Cloud to win.
The perfect farewell
Upon her return home, the anticipation was whether she would race on. She did, extending her streak to 25 undefeated starts with final victories in the Lightning Stakes and TJ Smith Stakes in 2013. Then, as all great champions do, she bowed out at the peak of her powers, retiring in April 2013 as the undisputed queen of the turf.
A legacy left behind
Black Caviar’s impact extended beyond the racetrack. She inspired a new generation of racing fans, transcended the sport, and became a cultural icon.
Named World Champion Sprinter four years in a row (2010-2013), she remains a benchmark for greatness. Her influence continues through her progeny, ensuring her name remains woven into the fabric of Australian racing.
Timeline of a champion
18 August 2006
Foaled at Gilgai Farm in Victoria, the filly who would become a racing phenomenon takes her first steps.
4 March 2008
Sold at the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale for $210,000, she is purchased by Moody Racing Pty Ltd.
30 March 2009
Wins a Cranbourne barrier trial by five lengths, making an effortless first impression in public.
18 April 2009
The two-year-old filly debuts down the Flemington straight and cruises home by five lengths.
6 November 2010
Secures her first Group 1 in the VRC Sprint Classic (now Champions Sprint), her eighth win, scoring by five lengths under stand-in jockey Ben Melham.
#OnThisDay 17 years ago, the legendary BLACK CAVIAR was foaled 🐎
Creates a modern weight-carrying benchmark for a mare by winning the Newmarket Handicap with 58 kilograms.
22 October 2011
Overtakes Phar Lap's famous 14-win streak, posting her fifteenth consecutive victory in the Group 2 Schweppes Stakes (now Group 1 Moir Stakes).
28 April 2012
Travels to South Australia taking out the Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes, surpassing Gloaming and Desert Gold to set a new Australasian record of 20 straight wins.
23 June 2012
Travels to the UK for the Group 1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot and, despite sustaining an injury during the race, hangs on to win narrowly.
2012 Diamond Jubilee Stakes winner Black Caviar is heading back to the track!
Australia’s undefeated champion will return to Flemington to parade in front of her fans this Saturday 15th February! 👏 pic.twitter.com/Vaic5rjhYE
Wins the Lightning Stakes for a third consecutive time, the first running under its new name Black Caviar Lightning, and shatters the Flemington 1000-metre track record.
13 April 2013
Bows out unbeaten with her 25th and final victory in the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes at Randwick, eclipsing Kingston Town's mark of fourteen Group 1 wins.
Four years ago to the day, the legendary Black Caviar won her 25th and final race in the TJ Smith Stakes! #TBTpic.twitter.com/ssnAFdhqur
