Final foal passes away days after champion racehorse

The last foal of champion racehorse Black Caviar has died, only two days after the champion sprinter passed away.

Black Caviar’s ownership group confirmed the ninth and final foal from the mare died despite efforts to save him.

“The owners are saddened to advise that Black Caviar’s foal, a colt sired by Snitzel, passed away [on Monday night],” the statement said. “He received around-the-clock, world-class veterinary care, but unfortunately could not be saved.

“The ownership group would like to thank the entire veterinary team who dedicated their time and efforts to caring for Black Caviar and her colt.

“The ownership group would also like to acknowledge and thank the Australian public and the racing public globally for the many tributes to Black Caviar. She was much loved and admired.”

Black Caviar’s death, a day before her 18th birthday, has sparked a wave of tributes for the Peter Moody-trained sprinter, which won all 25 starts during her career, including a heart-stopping win at Royal Ascot in front of the late Queen Elizabeth.

She was diagnosed with laminitis, a condition in which blood flow is restricted or stopped to the hooves.

Connections and staff at the Hunter Valley Stud where she spent her post racing career as a broodmare had tried to save her last colt, which would have been worth millions of dollars as a yearling if ever sold at a public auction.

Black Caviar’s ownership group have never sold any of her previous progeny and decided to race them.