As Britain laid its Iron Lady Margaret Thatcher to rest, on the other side of the world, Australians were mourning the departure of a different leading lady -- champion race horse Black Caviar.
Goodbye leading lady —
As Britain laid its Iron Lady Margaret Thatcher to rest, on the other side of the world, Australians were mourning the departure of a different leading lady -- champion race horse Black Caviar.
Scott Barbour/Getty Images/File
The six-year-old thoroughbred retired after an undefeated 25-win career. "She really gave her all and we thought what else can we achieve? She's been a great shining light for racing," said trainer Peter Moody (pictured).
Unbeatable mare —
The six-year-old thoroughbred retired after an undefeated 25-win career. "She really gave her all and we thought what else can we achieve? She's been a great shining light for racing," said trainer Peter Moody (pictured).
Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images/file
The world's top-rated race horse, worth almost $8 million in prize money, bowed out after claiming her 25th victory at Sydney's TJ Stakes Day on Saturday.
Quarter century —
The world's top-rated race horse, worth almost $8 million in prize money, bowed out after claiming her 25th victory at Sydney's TJ Stakes Day on Saturday.
Mark Kolbe/Getty Images
After her nailbiting win at Royal Ascot last year, Black Caviar took an eight-month break from racing. But the unbeatable horse didn't disappoint when she made a triumphant return to Melbourne's Flemington Race Course in February, securing her 23rd consecutive win.
Nation's darling —
After her nailbiting win at Royal Ascot last year, Black Caviar took an eight-month break from racing. But the unbeatable horse didn't disappoint when she made a triumphant return to Melbourne's Flemington Race Course in February, securing her 23rd consecutive win.
Scott Barbour/Getty Images
Black Caviar's only overseas trip during her four-year career was to Britain's Royal Ascot, where it was later revealed she had been suffering from a leg injury. "She was courageous the way she won at Ascot," co-owner Colin Madden said. "It was at the end of a very long run of competitions -- she'd had five races that year and a trip to the UK."
Royal reception —
Black Caviar's only overseas trip during her four-year career was to Britain's Royal Ascot, where it was later revealed she had been suffering from a leg injury. "She was courageous the way she won at Ascot," co-owner Colin Madden said. "It was at the end of a very long run of competitions -- she'd had five races that year and a trip to the UK."
Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images/File
The Queen congratulates jockey Luke Nolen on his Ascot triumph. Nolen rode Black Caviar to victory 22 times in her stellar career.
Winning combination —
The Queen congratulates jockey Luke Nolen on his Ascot triumph. Nolen rode Black Caviar to victory 22 times in her stellar career.
Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images/File
Thousands of fans turned out to Ascot's Diamond Jubilee Stakes to cheer on the "Wonder from Down Under."
Aussie Army —
Thousands of fans turned out to Ascot's Diamond Jubilee Stakes to cheer on the "Wonder from Down Under."
Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images/File
Black Caviar appears on the December issue of Vogue Australia. It was the first time in the 53-year history of the magazine that a horse has featured on the front.
Celebrity sprinter —
Black Caviar appears on the December issue of Vogue Australia. It was the first time in the 53-year history of the magazine that a horse has featured on the front.
Courtesy Vogue Australia
Beyond the track, Black Caviar may also have a profitable career as a breeding mare, with co-owner Madden hinting that champion British thoroughbred Frankel (pictured) could make a good match.
Future Frankel? —
Beyond the track, Black Caviar may also have a profitable career as a breeding mare, with co-owner Madden hinting that champion British thoroughbred Frankel (pictured) could make a good match.
Tom Dulat/Getty Images/File
Comparisons have been drawn between Black Caviar and champion Australian race horse Phar Lap, who rose to fame during the Great Depression. Phar Lap's body is now housed in the Melbourne Museum.
Phar lap's successor? —
Comparisons have been drawn between Black Caviar and champion Australian race horse Phar Lap, who rose to fame during the Great Depression. Phar Lap's body is now housed in the Melbourne Museum.
William West/AFP/Getty Images/File