2012 Royal Ascot: Black Caviar Holds On In The Diamond Jubilee (w/Video)

Black Caviar (AUS) won her 22nd race in a row but not in the manner one would have expected as she held on by a short head over Midnight Cloud (GB) and Restiadargent (FR) in the Group 1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot. Breaking cleanly from the gate, Black Caviar settled comfortably just off the early leaders through the first four furlongs, was roused to the lead with just a quarter mile to to the finish and then, amazingly, had to hold on in the final strides after jockey Luke Nolen appeared to misjudge the finish line (or misjudged the strength of his competition).In the final strides.

Midnight Cloud, second choice in the betting, was shuffled back early on and came with a strong run in the final quarter mile, aided by the poor ride by Black Caviar's jock. One of the top sprinters in Europe, Midnight Cloud produced a rally along the stand side and was a stride too late at the wire. Restiadargent (FR), racing just to Midnight Cloud's outside in the final furlong, held on for third.

Despite the poor tactics or poor judgement from Black Caviar's jockey, the Australian mare displayed her class and talent by defeating a strong group of sprinters at the premier meeting in the world, Royal Ascot.

Below is the video replay and the North American payouts for the Group 1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes.