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The legendary Australian mare Black Caviar has passed away at the age of eighteen.

The world-class Australian sprinter Black Caviar has passed from a severe hoof condition just moments after giving birth to a foal by Snitzel.

Black Caviar captured the hearts of many and was a true Australian icon having gone unbeaten in 25 starts throughout her racing career. Fifteen of those successes came at the top level, one of which will live long in the memory of Royal Ascot fanatics.

The daughter of Bel Espirit was sent off the 1/6 market leader on her voyage to claim the Group 1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes (now Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee) back in 2012 and although the contest looked to be going smoothly for jockey Luke Nolen, there would be late drama.

Black Caviar sauntered clear of her rivals in the fashion of a top-class mare and looked to have the race in safe keeping inside the final furlong. Such was her dominance, Luke Nolen eased up on his mare. The Peter Moody-trained hot-pot would slow much quicker than anticipated, allowing Moonlight Cloud to close within a head. The crowd gasped with shock, but Nolen's blushes were spared as Black Caviar clung on to prevail by a head.

It was a race that has sculpted the history books at Royal Ascot and one that has enticed Australian sprinters to return to the Berkshire venue over the years.

Expertly handled by Peter Moody throughout her career, the trainer admits the news was hard for him to take.

"She had a colt this morning and then they put her down on humane grounds," an emotional Moody said.

"They scanned her feet yesterday and there was no blood flow at all. She had minimal blood flow in her feet anyhow as she was such a big girl."

"I rang all the family and the staff, Paddy Bell and those close with her, and I sat in the car and cried for an hour as I was ringing them.

"I have a bloke (from the stable, Giovanni Spiga) in hospital, and I haven't shed a tear, but a horse has died, and I'm crying.

"You don't think it affects you, but it does. It's impossible not to get attached to most animals, but one like her, you cannot but do so.

"You get reminded of her almost every day whenever you turn on the TV, there she was shooting past the post."

Victoria Racing Club Chairman Neil Wilson extended his condolences to the ownership group along with Moody and her regular rider Luke Nolen. 

"Black Caviar was more than a champion racehorse, she was an important part of life for many people," Wilson said.

"Her brilliance, her presence and the pleasure and inspiration she gave to so many was a special moment in time for horse racing and sport more generally.

"She has created a piece of history that will be remembered forever, and it was a privilege for all who saw this wonderful equine athlete in action.

"Our heartfelt condolences go out to those close to her, including our friends in the ownership group. To Black Caviar's trainer Peter Moody and jockey Luke Nolen, our thoughts are with you on this sad day. 

"She was simply the best."