VRC CEO Dale Monteith and the connections of wonder mare Black Caviar today (Saturday) announced Flemington’s Group 1 premier weight-for-age sprint in the autumn will be renamed the Black Caviar Lightning.
“Seven of Black Caviar’s 22 victories have been at Flemington, including five Group 1s, so it is appropriate she will be immortalised with a race in her honour at headquarters,” Mr Monteith said.
“Black Caviar has won the Lightning twice already, and we would dearly love for her to contest the inaugural Black Caviar Lightning in February 2013 in what could be her last campaign.
“Champion trainer Peter Moody and Black Caviar courageously tackled this year’s Lightning Stakes, dropping back from 1400 metres to 1000 metres in seven days, beating top line sprinters Hay List and Buffering. Her win defied history and she is a very special horse.”
“All the owners are excited by this decision of the VRC,” said Black Caviar’s part-owner Neil Werrett.
“While no decision had been made about her specific return to racing in 2013, it would be very special if she could run in such a prestigious Group 1 race as the Lightning for a third time, which is now to be renamed after her. We are indeed very honoured.”
The weight-for-age Black Caviar Lightning will remain Australia’s only 1000m Group 1 race and the opening leg of the 2013 Global Sprint Challenge.
Australian Pattern Committee (APC) approval for any change to Group 1 races is now a requirement and this was received yesterday. As a matter of process the APC has referred the name change to the Asian Pattern Committee for ratification.
Black Caviar’s Record at Flemington
Group 1 Coolmore Lightning Stakes 2012 – 1000m WFA
Group 1 Patinack Farm Classic 2011- 1200m WFA
Group 1 Lexus Newmarket Hcp 2011- 1200m Hcp
Group 1 Coolmore Lightning Stakes 2011 – 1000m WFA
Group 1 Patinack Farm Classic 2010 – 1200m WFA
Group 2 Danehill Stakes 2009 – 1200m 3YO SWP
Cromwell Handicap 2009 – 1000m 2YO Hcp
