BC BOOST TO VIC

We’ve had the odd luminary visit Eliza Park’s headquarters at Kerrie in the wake of Black Caviar’s victory at Royal Ascot.

Minister for Racing, Dr Denis Napthine, was first on hand to congratulate Black Caviar’s sire, Bel Esprit, while we also hosted a vice regal visit from Governor Alex Chernov (pictured below), his wife Elizabeth and staff on Tuesday 3 July.

Following is a release from Minister Napthine’s office.

Minister for Racing Denis Napthine today celebrated Black Caviar’s historic 22^nd straight victory with her sire Bel Esprit and full brother Moshe at Eliza Park Stud.

Dr Napthine said it was fantastic to watch Victoria’s own born and bred champion conquer the world among thousands of other fans at Federation Square last night.

“Black Caviar has proven that she is the world’s number one sprinter with a thrilling victory at Royal Ascot, managing to hold on by a nose despite being eased up in the final stages of the Diamond Jubilee Stakes,”

“Peter Moody and his team have done a terrific job with Black Caviar throughout her career and it is great to be here at Eliza Park Stud where it all began to celebrate this win.

“Black Caviar is 100 per cent Victorian with a Victorian sire (father) in Bel Esprit and a Victorian dam (mother) in Helsinge. Her incredible success and her status as the world’s best sprinter and undefeated champion is a fantastic endorsement of our local breeding industry which stands to benefit greatly from this exposure.

”Bel Esprit is already a popular stallion here at Eliza Park and Black Caviar’s full brother Moshe will begin his exciting stud career this season. I am sure this victory will generate even more interest in these stallions from people with broodmares,” Dr Napthine said.

Dr Napthine said breeding was a critical industry in Victoria creating many jobs in regional areas. 

The Victorian Coalition Government is proud to support this industry with $6.7 million in funding for the VOBIS Gold initiative which enables Victorian bred racehorses to be eligible for up to $18 million in bonuses when raced here in Victoria,” Dr Napthine said.

”Through the VOBIS Gold initiative and the success of Black Caviar I am sure we will see growth in the employment and economic benefits generated from the Victorian breeding industry.

”Black Caviar’s victory encapsulates all that is good about racing with thousands of people gathering with their friends and family to watch our great mare at Federation Square, Royal Ascot and all across the state.

”I am looking forward to seeing her return to racing on home turf here in Victoria in the coming spring,” Dr Napthine said.