• Horse Racing

Amazing Black Caviar rolls on with win No. 25

ESPN staff
April 13, 2013
Black Caviar now has 15 Group One wins to her name © Getty Images
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Black Caviar made it a perfect 25 wins from 25 races with victory in the TJ Smith Stakes at Royal Randwick.

Peter Moody's superstar mare has won over a range of trips, on a variety of grounds at a host of tracks. She proved her well-being with wins in the Lightning Stakes and William Reid Stakes earlier this year and backed up those performances in some style at the Sydney track on Saturday.

Unlike in the Lightning and William Reid, Black Caviar was faced with a decent field. But she still proved in a different league over the six-furlong trip.

Jockey Luke Nolen settled his mount in behind Rain Affair from flagfall and the leader set a scorching gallop. Nolen had to give her a shake of the reins leaving the back straight to ensure she did not become trapped on the rail from what was perceived to be a troublesome gate position. Turning for home, Rain Affair had poached a three-length lead.

The question was asked of Black Caviar, but in a matter of strides it was answered. Nolen gave her a kick in the belly and the huge crowd at Randwick roared with delight as she swept to the front at the furlong pole.

Epaulette and Bel Sprinter emerged from the pack to give chase, but they were chasing from a respectful distance as Black Caviar was away and gone for an Australian record eighth consecutive Group One triumph and 15th in all - taking her past the record she had held with Kingston Town.

The scenes in and around Sydney were quite amazing with flags flying over the harbour and cars pulling up outside the course at post time just so people could get a glimpse of Black Caviar. Those inside the course, those lucky enough to gain entry, decked out in their salmon and black colours, were not disappointed as she was given a true test and came through with flying colours.

"She's a special horse and words escape me," an emotional Nolen told Channel Seven. "I'm not a wordsmith or a very well-educated man by any stretch but she totally touches me.

"When the pressure kept getting bigger ... you can see what she means to racing and to be a part of it just blows you away.

"I've got a great deal of faith in this mare and she continues to make Peter and I look very very good."

A trip to Brisbane is on the cards next for Black Caviar while Moody has raised the tantalising prospect of letting her race on for another year.

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