Luke Nolen rides the Aussie sprinter in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes and writes exclusively about why he is confident of making it 22 wins in a row . . .
I must admit I wasn’t sure about the idea of coming here. I didn’t think she needed to do it as we’ve good prize money at home. But it’s very sporting and since the plan was hatched a year or so ago, everything she has done has built towards tomorrow.
Everyone in the camp is over the moon with her condition and getting her here in that kind of shape is a feat in itself.
Obviously, the rivalry between our nations gives things an extra edge. Every time you take on England it’s the same heated competition — whether it’s the Ashes, or rugby, or soccer.
It always seems to be that five or 10 per cent better if you can beat the English in the motherland. Peter Moody would say that, too. He’s a wonderful trainer and a terrific bloke. We’ve been together 10 years now and it’s amazing to think that it all started with a case of mistaken identity. He thought he had booked my brother, Shaun, for a couple of horses. He didn’t even know there were two of us riding!
It just shows the role of luck, and fate, in a jockey’s life. I was just on my way to some nondescript meeting when that happened and in need of a bit of a lifeline in my career. Riding better horses gives you confidence and Peter has shown a lot of faith in me.
And here I am, riding the best mare in the world at Royal Ascot. If you told me I’d be doing that, 10 years ago, I would have told you to stop being silly. But if Black Caviar fronts up tomorrow, she won’t be beaten.
The Diamond Jubilee Stakes is part of the Qipco British Champions Series
