Australian super mare Black Caviar today (Saturday 23 June) retained her unbeaten record, securing her 22nd win.
The “wonder from Down Under”, trained by Peter Moody, took the Group One Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot by just a head to Moonlight Cloud.
Jockey Luke Nolen, who has ridden her in 19 of her 22 wins, appeared to ease off slightly just before the line, but Black Caviar got up to take the race by a narrow margin. A photo-finish confirmed her the winner.
“You’ve only got to win by a quarter of an inch,” said Peter Moody after the race. “We’ve never expected or asked for dominance. We’re extremely proud of her, 22 from 22. It’s never been about margins or dominance.”
Luke Nolen said he “underestimated the testing track”.
“I hope my performance doesn’t overshadow what was a fantastic effort from the horse,” he added.
Black Caviar, who is known as “Nelly” at home, was sent off 1-6 favourite for the 6f race. The mare has become a global superstar, with racegoers sporting ties, dresses and hats in her salmon pink and black colours.
Connections have announced she will now return to Australia, bypassing the July Cup.
