17 CHAMPIONS SPRINT 2010 BLACK CAVIAR 15 YEARS AGO The 2010 Champions Sprint marked the eighth race start and win for the champion sprinting mare, Black Caviar. While the racing community was quick to recognise the exploits of this race champion, the general public had yet to taste the equine form of caviar, which would see Black Caviar become a front-page headline across newspapers worldwide. The VRC Champions Sprint – formerly known as the VRC Sprint Classic in recent times – has carried Group 1 status since 1979 and has always been run down the famous Flemington Straight six-furlong, 1200-metre track. It was previously held on Victoria Derby Day from the mid-2000s but was moved to the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, enhancing a line-up of three Group 1 races. The 2010 edition had an extra layer of intrigue, with Black Caviar being ridden by a young Ben Melham, as the regular rider, Luke Nolen, was unavailable on the day. Asked about his experience riding Black Caviar, Melham replied, ‘it was pretty much a point and steer situation’, referring to the ease with which this emerging star had performed. The following autumn, things truly began to unfold as Black Caviar won the first of her three Group 1 Lightning Stakes (1000m) down the Flemington straight, leading to a momentous victory in the Newmarket Handicap carrying 58kg. It was at this point that this equine great transitioned from industry superstar to public icon. She never looked back. (Racing Photos)
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