black caviar to retire?, page-19

Kincilla, I beg to differ with you that it is all about the betting. I've owned a few horses and i certainly didn't buy them for the betting. I bought them in the hope that i could fluke a Black Caviar. I don't think the BC connections would have worried too much about the $1.10 (and $1.03 & $1.05 a lot of the times) that was on offer most of the occasions.

Let's not forget Australia has some of the highest prize money in the world. The connections didn't have to go to Royal Ascot. They certainly didn't go there to bet on her and the prize money was no different to Australia.

Also, the argument of her not racing against the best horses will always be a common argument. However, there is a reason the best chose not to run against her. It is because BC actually broke their hearts. Had it not been for BC, a horse like Hay List could have been one of Australia's best sprinters. The best knew they were no hope and trainers didn't want to hurt their own horses.

Also, she is a 6 year old, not a 7 year old. Not an old horse by any stretch of the imagination. Being a mare and less value at stud of course owners would have her run a little longer than normal. But, also the owners obviously wanted her smash the record number of unbeaten runs and the prize money would slightly make up for any money lost at stud, for her not being a stallion (she'll be lucky to have 10 -14 foals). Also, the owners realised how good she was for the public and did the right thing in racing her in different states. They should be commended for that. She will be lucky to have 10 foals

I am not saying she is the best. Frankel is actually rated a better horse, so she is not the best horse in the world in her era. But, until another horse comes along, we will argue her and Phar Laps merits as the best horse Australia has produced.