Clare Cunningham cut a quiet, lonely figure as she leaned against the rail lining the famous Randwick straight.
The field was on the way to the barriers for Saturday’s TJ Smith Stakes and Cunningham had eyes only for Black Caviar.
Foreperson for trainer Peter Moody in Sydney, Cunningham doesn’t usually have much to do with the stable superstar which is domiciled in Melbourne.
But for the last few days she has hosted the world’s greatest mare in preparation for Derby day.
A superstar the ilk of Black Caviar doesn’t travel alone – her trackwork rider and Moody’s assistant trainer in Melbourne accompanied her to Sydney.
But Cunningham still managed to get some bonding time with the champion and even snatched a quiet moment alone.
“I was able to take her for a walk off the pony yesterday (Friday) and having that time with her was amazing,” Cunningham said.
“It was my little bit of contributing to her.
“Even to be able to make feed for her was amazing.”
Cunningham described having Black Caviar stay at Moody’s Rosehill base as a “privilege”.
Being across town at Randwick as more than 24,000 fans roared and clapped and shouted just to see her trot out onto the track was another thrill all its own.
“It’s so energising. My favourite part is just listening to the crowd when they see her,” Cunningham said.
Moody was standing nearby, puffing on a cigarette.
Cunningham said the day so far had been a sad one for him and the team.
“It’s been quite stressful for him,” Cunningham said.
“It’s been a tough day. We’ve had a few put in disappointing runs and we had to put one down.
“Hopefully she can finish off the day. It would sure give us a lift.”
Black Caviar didn’t disappoint. She never has.
She jumped, travelled, ambled up to take the lead in the straight and made the others look second-rate as she cruised to win number 25.
Horse and connections were mobbed like rock stars. There were cheers and even a few wolf whistles.
Finally, it was all over.
Black Caviar was led away from the fanfare to take off her crown as queen of the turf.
But while she commands the presence of a diva on the track, off it Cunningham says she is just like any other horse.
“They’re all animals of habit,” she said.
“Food, water, some peace and quiet and she’s as happy as Larry.”
