Jockey Luke Nolen (right) with Black Caviar, trainer Peter Moody and strapper Donna Fisher
A typically modest Luke Nolen is taking no credit for the past success of Black Caviar and says he won’t be taking any credit for her future success either.
In a commercial radio interview this morning that further highlights the wider public appeal of the unbeaten mare Nolen was candid about how the ride she’s taken him on so far and about what’s it’s like to ride under such pressure.
Nolen will partner her once again this weekend when she has her first up run for the spring in the 2011 Schillaci Stakes but he insists he’s nothing more than a support act.
“It’s pretty bloody good (to ride Black Caviar),” Nolen said.
“You don’t have to get too immersed in tactics with her you’ve just got to keep her out of trouble and she does the rest.
“She’s the star – I’m a bit like the roadie. She does my job for me and hopefully she can continue to do that on Saturday.”
“All everyone wants to see – even non-racing people – is to see Black Caviar and all I want on Saturday and every other start we have is that we’re afforded our chance and she takes care of business.”
Black Caviar is shooting for her 14th straight victory this Saturday, a mark that would take her alongside the Australian legend Phar Lap.
“It would be pretty disappointed to see her get beat, but if the day comes, she is a horse and they can all be beat,” Nolen said.
“But at this stage she’s in great order, so hopefully it’s No.14.”
Much like her notoriously cool trainer Peter Moody, Nolen says Black Caviar isn’t affected by the hype and hysteria that seems to be growing rapidly with each start.
“She’s one of the most relaxed animals I’ve ever had anything to d with on race day,” he said.
“Probably the last three runs she’s had, the racegoers have got into Caviar fever and they’ve cheered her out onto the track and she soaks it up.
“She goes around like an old gelding that has been there and done it 100 times.”
“And on a personal level I get to enjoy it myself because she is not on her toes, she’s not antsy at all. She soaks it up and I get to do the same.”
