‘Could not be saved’: Sad twist after tragic Black Caviar passing

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Black Caviar had been battling laminitis, a painful condition where blood flow to the hooves is restricted or stopped.

The condition leads to more than seven per cent of equine deaths with many of the animals needing to be euthanised, according to the Royal Veterinary College of the University of London.

She was put down at Scone Equine Hospital after giving birth to a colt but a statement from the owners on Monday revealed the foal could not be saved.

“The owners are saddened to advise that Black Caviar’s foal, a colt sired by Snitzel, passed away last night,” the statement said.

“He received around-the-clock, world-class veterinary care, but unfortunately could not be saved.

“The ownership group would like to thank the entire veterinary team who dedicated their time and efforts to caring for Black Caviar and her colt.

“The ownership group would also like to acknowledge and thank the Australian public and the racing public globally for the many tributes to Black Caviar.

“She was much loved and admired.”

Tributes flowed from across the horseracing community for the legendary mare after the shocking news was revealed.

While Black Caviar captivated Australia, she also drew eyes from across the world, being named the 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 World Thoroughbred Racehorse Rankings Champion Sprinter, as well as named equal first in 2013 overall rankings alongside French horse Treve.

Black Caviar didn’t only race in Australia either, having won the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2012 and was named the European Champion Sprinter at the Cartier Racing Awards, becoming the first horse from outside Europe to be honoured with the award.

She was officially retired from racing in 2013 and had a successful breeding career.

Seven of Black Caviar’s foals followed in her racing footsteps with four winners including Invincible Caviar, who won four of her eight races.

Jockey Luke Nolen, who rode Black Caviar to 22 of her 25 victories, was among those paying tribute to the champion mare.

“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.

“A bit numb, she was a wonderful part of my career.”

Black Caviar’s trainer Peter Moody spoke to reporters at Caulfield on Saturday after the news of her death broke, saying: “She was a remarkable horse who gave us all the ride of a lifetime and wonderful memories”.

He also revealed the details that led to Black Caviar being euthanised.

“You don’t think it affects you,” Moody said.

“But you are being stupid not to think it doesn’t. It’s impossible not to get attached to most animals let alone one like her.

“She had a milk infection about a week ago and we just treated it like you do with all broodmares, But, like a lot of treatments, it went straight to her feet.

“Basically, it killed her feet.

“She had the foal this morning, a colt foal by Snitzel and they put her down shortly after that on humane grounds.

“They scanned her feet yesterday and there was no blood flow at all to her feet. There was minimum blood flow to her feet anyhow but there was none and she’s such a big girl.

“I rang all the staff and told them. They were all very upset.”