Black Caviar will return to racing in the event now named in her honour, the Black Caviar Lightning (formerly the Lightning Stakes), tomorrow (Saturday) at Flemington.
Black Caviar has not raced since her nail-biting triumph at Royal Ascot last June and is looking at win number 23 in as many starts and a record third consecutive Lightning victory.
Eight horses, including Black Caviar, were entered in the field of Australia’s only Group 1 over 1000m after final acceptances were taken on Wednesday.
While the raceday typically attracts around 10,000 racegoers, over 22,000 flocked to Flemington to witness Black Caviar’s 19th straight win in the race last year. The mare has not raced on Victorian turf for over a year and is expected to draw an even larger attendance this year.
The VRC’s plans to celebrate the mare include:
- Black Caviar’s saddlecloth, signed by Peter Moody and Luke Nolen will be given to the best-dressed Black Caviar-themed racegoer. Roving judges will choose 10 finalists to be judged in the Mounting Yard after the feature race (at approximately 4.45pm)
- Racegoers will receive free Black Caviar visors, fans and banners to help cheer on the record-breaking horse
- The specially-created Black Caviar Precinct on the east end of the front lawn will feature:
o   A special Black Caviar Walk of Fame with 22 displays profiling each of her victories
o   A free Black Caviar photo booth providing racegoers with a free memento of the day
o   A free Black Caviar nail bar will have fans’ nails painted in salmon and black
o   Free live entertainment from cover band Popcorn from 2.40pm
- A souvenir racebook ($6), with the chance to win a Royal Ascot trip flying Emirates business class
- Black Caviar’s salmon & black livery painted 12-metres high on the Mounting Yard grass
- The new Schweppes Flemington Fling bar will serve a signature Black Caviar cocktail, the Caviar Blush
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