LUKE NOLEN'S LUCKY ESCAPE ON BLACK CAVIAR AT ROYAL ASCOT

Despite the story already being re-told for the past few days, Black Caviar’s nail-biting win at Royal Ascot is a race that I keep watching on repeat for two reasons.

One: The wonder from Down-Under was spectacular to watch as she wowed the crowd with her ability to run like the wind. Comparisons have been made between the mare and Frankel but both are completely different: Black Caviar is a sprinter whereas Frankel enjoys the distance.

And two: Jockey Luke Nolen’s rookie error. He stupidly eased Black Caviar for a few frightful seconds as she approached the winning post, allowing Moonlight Cloud and Restiadargent to gain advantage.

77,000 Aussies gathered together on the day to watch Peter Moody’s mare compete in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes expecting to see their heroine make it 22 out of 22 wins.

But cheers from the opposite side of the globe joined the gasps from spectators here in the UK. Imagine what would have happened if a British jockey had caused their Australian horse to lose. After so much hype and media coverage, it would have been awful if Moonlight Cloud, who finished in second, had snatched the victory.

Going into the race, the mare’s domestic rating was 132, 15 pounds below her official rating in Australia. Respect, however, has to be given to the horse. Considering she had pulled muscles in her back she produced a feisty performance to maintain her unbeaten record.

The relief on Nolen’s face when Black Caviar was announced as the overall winner is a picture that will not be forgotten quickly. Black Caviar’s close encounter is a race that will be repeated over many years.

If Nolen hadn’t eased her up then Black Caviar would have won by more than a nose, something that handicappers would have considered in giving her performance rating two pounds higher than given to French rival Moonlight Cloud.

Black Caviar flew the flag for her country with triumph and her win works as a fitting end to the BBC’s coverage of Royal Ascot. Similar to the Grand National, the narrow victory demonstrates the excitement and passion that the BBC had towards the iconic race meeting.

With the opinions and analysis of the race still being published, I reckon I won’t be the only racing fan to replay Black Caviar’s royal win at Ascot.

Also published at: @valuehorsetips - Follow me every Thursday on their blog for 'Thursday Thoughts from Abby Rugg'.

BLACK CAVIAR TREATED AS ROYALTY AHEAD OF ASCOT

Black Caviar is in good health after her marathon journey to England.

The mare travelled for 30 hours from her stable in Australia to the UK and has dropped nine kilos from her weight of 580kg.

She is to run in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot in just thirteen days and pundits have already turned to bookmakers for her latest odds.

It’s as if royalty has landed in the country: the mare has been unbeaten in 21 starts and the world of horseracing has been rocked by her red carpet arrival.

Who can argue that horseracing is a dying and cruel sport now? I have never seen a horse’s journey to this country fill newspapers and websites in an instant.

It delights me in watching the preparations for the horse: time, patience and hard work is visible and the trainer, owners, pundits and journalists are treating her with the respect that she deserves.

Trainer Peter Moody has said that he is a “bit nervous about it all” and I don’t blame him! A lot of money is being ridden on Black Caviar’s back but not only that, the effort towards maintaining the mare’s profile has been huge.

Black Caviar’s journey just proves how much of an athlete a horse can be in comparison with a human.

No other Australian horse has been a big star since the 1930’s Melbourne Cup winner Phar Lap.

But can Black Caviar win in just under two weeks' time and claim her 22^nd victory? Yes, I think so. 

BLACK CAVIAR SIDE-STEPS SUSSEX STAKES BUT WOULD SHE HAVE WON AGAINST FRANKEL?

First of all I would like to apologise for my absence over the last few weeks - exams have taken over as you can imagine but I am happy to say that I have finished most of them and my full attention is back on horse racing!


It was announced that a clash between undefeated horses Frankel and Black Caviar in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood 
has been ruled out.

Taken from Flickr: Black Caviar: Photo taken by Angus Richmond on October 8 2011

A statement was issued by Black Caviar's connections claiming that the mare will not be entered in the race on August 1st.

Frankel won the race last year and even though the colt looks certain to win it again, a certain question will stay risen: Who would have won - Frankel or Black Caviar?


Black Caviar is an undefeated Australian racehorse across 21 starts. Trained by Peter Moody, the mare was named WTRR World Champion Sprinter in 2010 and is still considered to be the best sprinter in the world. 


However, Frankel is a horse that shouldn't be forgotten about: the colt is unbeaten in ten starts and similar to his rival, holds the title for best racehorse in the world. 


Trained by Henry Cecil, Frankel's best performance to date is a race that will forever keep people talking. His win at Newmarket in 2011 is still described as one of the greatest displays on a British racecourse. 


If Black Caviar competed in the Sussex Stakes I believe she would have won. Even though Frankel won well last year, I think the mare has more of an edge to make a race count.


After all, she has been unbeaten in 21 races compared to her rival's ten and with Luke Nolen riding her in all her starts I reckon she could have won in the £1 million showdown. 


So - what are your thoughts: who do you think would have won between the pair?


Entries for the Sussex Stakes will be announced on Wednesday May 30.