The passing of Black Caviar, one of the most adored thoroughbreds, triggered a wave of sorrow within the racing community and among fans globally. However, her death also raised difficult questions about what retirement truly means for a champion mare and the complexities involved in breeding racehorses. Many began to wonder if her care extended beyond her ability to produce foals, sparking curiosity about the realities of thoroughbred breeding, even for legends like Black Caviar.
Does Exceptional Care Guarantee Animal Welfare?
Black Caviar’s tragic end came shortly after delivering her last foal. She contracted laminitis, a painful condition that restricts blood flow to the hooves, leading to her being euthanised soon after. Trainer Peter Moody explained that a recent milk infection, a common issue for broodmares, had unfortunately worsened her condition and affected her feet. The mare, just a day shy of turning 18, had outlived her racing career but had delivered nine foals over 11 years. Her final foal, a colt, died shortly after birth, deepening the heartbreak. Considering retired racehorses often live between 25 and 30 years, her premature death was an even more profound loss.
Behind the Scenes
The world of thoroughbred breeding, especially for champions, follows strict traditions and processes. For instance, thoroughbreds must mate naturally, as artificial insemination is banned worldwide. Yet, the method used in breeding farms contrasts sharply with the courtship rituals seen in wild horses. In nature, mares signal their readiness to mate by engaging in behaviours that allow them to approach the stallion while rejecting advances when not prepared. However, for the sake of safety and efficiency in the breeding industry, mares like Black Caviar are restrained to avoid injury. Tools such as breeding hobbles, boots, and neck protection ensure the mare remains still during the process. Additionally, stallions are trained to mount on command, limiting their natural courtship behaviours.
The Broader Question of Animal Welfare
Though the thoroughbred industry is steeped in history, growing concerns about the welfare of breeding animals have emerged. While Black Caviar, given her stature and value, likely received the best care, her experience during breeding would have been similar to any other mare. She had no say in the selection of her mates or the breeding process. Stallions, too, face challenges in the stud industry. After retiring to stud, many live isolated lives, interacting with other horses only during breeding. In the wild, stallions have social interactions with their mares and foals, engaging in play and bonding activities—something they are deprived of in the breeding environment.
Breeding Pressures and Economic Realities
The racing industry’s reliance on a constant stream of young horses adds pressure on breeding mares to produce foals regularly. Most prized races are restricted to two and three-year-olds, pushing breeders to maintain a steady supply of eligible horses. In Black Caviar’s case, she delivered nine foals, a relatively common number for a thoroughbred mare with access to top-tier veterinary care. However, in the wild, mares typically give birth to only five to seven foals, depending on environmental factors. The constant cycle of pregnancies increases health risks as mares age, especially in their mid-to-late teens. Their bodies become more susceptible to infections and physical strain, compounding the dangers with each pregnancy.
Industry and Public Perception
Black Caviar’s death highlighted the divide between the racing and breeding industry insiders and those outside the "bubble." While some questioned her treatment, many in the industry were quick to defend her owners. According to Hamish Esplin, president of Thoroughbred Breeders NSW, those who work with horses genuinely love and care for them. Yet, there is no escaping the economic truth: breeding is a business, and horses are the primary assets. In this context, mares generate value through their offspring, with success often measured by how many foals they produce. Although Black Caviar’s foals were not sold as yearlings but retained by her owners, they still entered the racing and breeding circuit, continuing her legacy.
Despite her 25 undefeated races and iconic status, Black Caviar’s role extended beyond the track. Her value as a broodmare became her new career, producing foals that could, potentially, follow in her illustrious footsteps. While she was undoubtedly cherished, her ultimate worth in the eyes of the industry lay in her ability to create future champions, highlighting the intricate balance between love for the animal and the commercial realities of the sport.