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By Ray Hickson

She was the horse that couldn't be beaten but the legendary champion Black Caviar has passed away one day before what would have been her 18th birthday.

The ownership group, and trainer Peter Moody, confirmed the mare had died shortly after giving birth to a foal by Snitzel on Saturday morning. The colt was her ninth foal.

Black Caviar went unbeaten through all 25 starts including two famous wins in the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) in Sydney in 2011 and 2013, the latter her final race start.

Luke Nolen (right) with Black Caviar, strapper Donna Fisher and trainer Peter Moody after the 2013 TJ Smith Stakes (Pic: Bradley Photos).

She captivated the world with her dramatic win in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2012.

"It is with deep sadness that the Madden, Hawkes, Wilkie, Taylor and Werrett families wish to advise that champion mare Black Caviar passed away peacefully today,'' the owners said in a statement.

"Black Caviar was a once-in-a-lifetime horse, most famous for her stellar racing career which saw her undefeated with 25 wins from 25 starts.

"Since racing retirement, Black Caviar has continued her successes as a broodmare, with her legacy to continue through her sons and daughters."

The owners paid tribute to everyone who cared for Black Caviar during her racing career and during her retirement, including vets Amy Duff, Joan Carrick, and the team at Scone Equine Hospital led by Troy Butt & Peter Carrigan, Mick Malone and Pauline Alix together with the whole team at North, Peter Moody and his racing team for their care through her racing career and jockey Luke Nolen for successfully guiding her to 23 of her 25 wins.

Moody said there were issues with Black Caviar's feet and ultimately laminitis got the better of her after a short battle.

“She was a remarkable horse who gave us all the ride of a life time and wonderful memories,” Moody said.

'Nelly', as she was known, has seven named foals - Oscietra, Prince Of Caviar, Out Of Caviar, Ready For Caviar, Invincible Caviar, I Am Caviar and Persian Caviar.

Last year she foaled a colt by The Autumn Sun.

Black Caviar retired in 2013 as the winner of 25 races from 25 stars including 15 Group 1s and amassed just under $8 million.

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