Black Caviar’s last foal has died two days after the champion racehorse was euthanised soon after giving birth.
The beloved mare suffered with laminitis before the decision was taken to put her down.
The foal’s cause of death has not been confirmed by Black Caviar’s connections.
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“The owners are saddened to advise that Black Caviar’s foal, a colt sired by Snitzel, passed away last night (Monday),” they said in a statement.
“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, unbeaten in 25 starts to win nearly $8 million in prize money, was retired in 2013 and gave birth to her first of nine foals in 2014.
With a heavy focus on horse welfare during the Spring Carnival in recent years, the breeding program came under question in the wake of Black Caviar’s death.
Laminitis is a condition that can result in restricted blood flow to the feet, with trainer Peter Moody reporting Black Caviar’s health deteriorated following a milk infection in recent days.
“We just treated it like you do with all broodmares, but like a lot of treatments, it went straight to her feet,” Moody said on Saturday.
“Basically, it killed her feet … they scanned her feet yesterday and there was no blood flow at all to her feet.
“There was minimum blood flow to her feet anyhow, but there was none and she’s such a big girl.”
Black Caviar’s owners were defended by Thoroughbred Breeders NSW president Hamish Esplin.
“The amount of expense, time and effort, and structures that go in place dedicated to purely keeping these animals healthy is mind-boggling,” Esplin told The Age.
“I would estimate that close to 100 per cent of every dollar spent by a breeder, like the owners of Black Caviar, post-racing would be spent purely trying to keep the animal healthy and fit.
“They want them to live a long and healthy life for as long as possible.
“It’s true they’re very valuable animals and their progeny can be very valuable, but case in point with the owners of Black Caviar, they decided not to sell any of their bloodstock.
“A criticism they’re in wholly for the money is misplaced, in this case.”
Black Caviar died one day before her 18th birthday.
“It is with deep sadness that the Madden, Hawkes, Wilkie, Taylor and Werrett families wish to advise that champion mare Black Caviar passed away peacefully today,” the horse’s owners announced on Saturday.
“Black Caviar was a once-in-a-lifetime horse, most famous for her stellar racing career which saw her undefeated with 25 wins from 25 starts.
“Since racing retirement, Black Caviar has continued her successes as a broodmare, with her legacy to continue through her sons and daughters.
“The ownership group are devastated, however, will reflect on her glittering achievements not only in Australia where she transcended racing and captured the hearts of the public, but in England where she famously won the 2012 Group 1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes (1200m) at Royal Ascot.”