Lightning Stakes renamed Black Caviar Lightning

Racing Victoria have honoured super mare Black Caviar by renaming the Lightning Stakes, the Black Caviar Lightning and the undefeated champion could line up in the Autumn Group 1 as the first leg of her farewell tour before retiring.

Black Caviar

The Lightning Stakes has been renamed in honor of Black Caviar. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia

Black Caviar’s twenty-two wins include seven wins at Flemington with wins in the last two runnings of the Lightning among her five Group 1 wins at the track.

The Group 1 $500,000 WFA Black Caviar Lightning (1000m) at Flemington on February 16 could be the starting point for an Australian farewell tour if trainer Peter Moody is happy with the progress of Black Caviar as she prepares for her final Autumn campaign.

Victoria Racing Club CEO Dale Monteith said that the club would love to see Black Caviar run in the Lightning after making the announcement of the name change today.

“Seven of Black Caviar’s twenty-two 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,” 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.”

Senior part owner Neil Werrett was honoured by Racing Victoria’s gesture and would love to see Black Caviar start in the inaugural running of the race named after her.

“All the owners are excited by this decision of the VRC,” said 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.”

Black Caviar was sent to the paddock for a well-deserved rest on her return from England where she took her unbeaten record to twenty-two in winning the Group 1 £500,000 The Diamond Jubilee Stakes (6 furlongs) at Royal Ascot on June 23.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.