Black Caviar co-owner Colin Madden has poured cold water on reports the champion mare could be close to retirement, but says she has earned herself a holiday after keeping her winning streak intact at Royal Ascot.
Ridden by Luke Nolan and trained by Peter Moody, Black Caviar edged the Group One Diamond Jubilee Stakes from French runner Moonlight Cloud in a close finish, marking 22 wins in as many races.
Mr Madden said rumours of retirement were premature, but said the horse would have a rest on her return to Australia.
“No, I think it’s like anything – we’re all closer to that big day than when we started,” he told Seven Network on Sunday.
“So with Black Caviar, she has less races to run than she has run.
“But this program has been long, it’s been hard, it’s been arduous.”
He said the overseas travel had taken a toll on Black Caviar.
“She’s done an heroic job and so she needs a little rest now,” he said.
He said he had a bad case of nerves as the mare raced home for a nailbiting win.
“Oh it was horrible, just plain horrible – there’s nothing pleasant about that experience!” he said,
“In fact, I thought we had come second.”
His wife and fellow co-owner Jannene Madden said the jockey had done a good job despite the photo-finish.
“We’re very proud of Luke.
“He doesn’t need to do anything more than get Black Caviar across the line in front, and that’s what he did.”
