For a sport with a heritage based on gambling
For a sport with a heritage based on gambling, it's strange to think that the most celebrated of its contestants has made betting on her races virtually redundant, reports The Age.
That's the beauty of Black Caviar, the superstar mare who has replaced her industry's problems with fascination, admiration and athletic majesty.
''Makybe Diva got close, Takeover Target was a great racing story, there's been Sunline, Octagonal, Lonhro - but Black Caviar's the one that's gone to the next level,'' says Darren Pearce, chief executive of the Australian Turf Club. ''They all broadened racing's appeal. But none since Phar Lap has done it in the way that Black Caviar has. She is the modern-day Phar Lap, a once-in-a-century horse.''
On Saturday, the six-year-old, barring an unthinkable upset, will become racing's most successful group 1 winner. Watched by millions, she will do so by winning the T.J.Smith Stakes, a lovely twist, as Smith trained the great Kingston Town, the horse whose record Black Caviar will break.
Advertisemen''She's gone beyond the average punter,'' Pearce says. ''She's crossed the barrier from people being interested in horse racing because of the betting aspect, to people being interested because of the magnificence of the athlete and the story behind her. It's elevated her to something of national interestIt's hard to argue. Is there any other non-human that has been a Vogue cover girl? Or named - if highly controversially - a sportswoman of the year?Politically and economically, too, she is a star. As racing's gambling monopoly continues to be diluted and integrity issues fester, the industry has sought a diversion. The great mare has provided it. The challenge now is to make hay while the sun shines.The ingredients are there. The race at Randwick will showcase the course's major refurbishment work. The broadcast network is promising unique aspects to its coverage. It will be a ''monumental day in Australian racing history'', Pearce says, ''and we feel a great weight of expectation to manage it well''.