Black Caviar dies: Iconic Australian racehorse passes away

Legendary Australian racehorse Black Caviar has died aged 17.

Known as Australia's greatest sprinter, Black Caviar passed away after a battle with laminitis on Saturday.

Laminitis is a disease that affects the hoof of a horse and often causes extreme pain once it has been contracted.

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Black Caviar was euthanised at Scone Equine Hospital on Saturday morning, after giving birth to a foal.

The famous mare won all 25 of her starts across a four-year period, including 15 Group 1 races, and was added to the Australian Racing Hall of Fame in 2013.

A statement from Victoria Racing Club announced the death of the iconic racehorse.

"Black Caviar was more than a champion racehorse, she was an important part of life for many people," the statement from Victoria Racing Club Chair Neil Wilson read.

"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.

"The VRC was privileged to have Black Caviar race at Flemington and to have the Lightning Stakes named after her in 2013, a race she won three times including the first year it was named in her honour.

"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."

“You don’t think it affects you,” trainer Peter Moody said, as reported by Racing.com .

“But you are being stupid not to think it doesn’t. It’s impossible not to get attached to most animals let alone one like her.

“She had a milk infection about a week ago and we just treated it like you do with all broodmares, But, like a lot of treatments, it went straight to her feet.

“Basically, it killed her feet.

“She had the foal this morning, a colt foal by Snitzel and they put her down shortly after that on humane grounds.

“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.

“I rang all the staff and told them. They were all very upset.”