BLACK CAVIAR

VICTORIANS will flock to ­Nagambie today for the unveiling of a life-size statue of Black Caviar. 
 
Excitement has gripped the Victorian town where the legendary racehorse was born as locals prepare for an influx of crowds to attend the unveiling of the bronze statue of the undefeated champion at 11am.

Champion breeder Rick ­Jamieson and trainer Peter Moody will be among the crowd celebrating the milestone alongside a who's who of the racing world.

The statue would be a beacon for tourists, said Strathbogie Shire mayor Deb Swan, who said Nagambie was the "hidden gem" of the region.

"It really shines a light on Nagambie and the shire and the excellence of horse breeding in the area,'' Cr Swan said.

"Having such an iconic horse born here is fantastic … and by having something such as this is a huge drawcard and will be a benefit to the region.''

Black Caviar cantered into history after her 25 races undefeated, including at Royal Ascot, her first and only race outside Australia.

Black Caviar's amazing triumphs have allowed the champion to meet all types of racing royalty including Queen Elizabeth, who awarded Black Caviar the cup after she won the Diamond ­Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot in June last year

Installer Brian Bourchier gave the statue a last-minute polish ahead of its unveiling, which will be marked by a street parade.

Sculptor Mitch Mitchell created the work in his Richmond studio from a photo of jockey Luke Nolen riding the wonder horse home in the Schweppes Stakes at Moonee Valley, in October, 2011.