The owners of champion racehorse Black Caviar have revealed her final foal has also died.

Black Caviar foaled the coat on Saturday morning, before a short and severe infection of laminitis led to her being euthanised.

In a statement on Monday, connections of the legendary mare confirmed the foal had also died.

“The owners are saddened to advise that Black Caviar’s foal, a colt sired by Snitzel, passed away last night,” the statement said.

“He received around-the-clock, world-class veterinary care, but unfortunately could not be saved.

“The ownership group would like to thank the entire veterinary team who dedicated their time and efforts to caring for Black Caviar and her colt.

“The ownership group would also like to acknowledge and thank the Australian public and the racing public globally for the many tributes to Black Caviar.

“She was much loved and admired.”

The death of Black Caviar on Saturday, a day before her 18th birthday, left the racing industry reeling.

Trainer Peter Moody said she was put down on humane grounds after giving birth to the colt in the morning. The mare had suffered laminitis, a painful and crippling hoof condition that can be fatal.

Moody said there was no chance of saving the one-time champion.

“She had a milk infection about a week ago and we just treated it like you do with all broodmares. But like a lot of treatments, it went straight to her feet,” he said at Caulfield on Saturday.

“Basically, it killed her feet.

“She had the foal this morning, a colt foal by Snitzel, and they put her down shortly after that on humane grounds.

“They scanned her feet yesterday and there was no blood flow at all to her feet. There was minimum blood flow to her feet anyhow but there was none and she’s such a big girl.

“I rang all the staff and told them. They were all very upset.”

Laminitis is the inflammation of the soft tissue structures that attach the coffin bone to the hoof wall (called laminae). It is extremely painful and often recurs.

Laminitis can be managed but not cured. It can be caused by a host of issues, including weight, weather and infections.

‘Ride of a lifetime’

Black Caviar was unbeaten in 25 starts over four years from 2009 to 2013. She won in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and – famously – in front of Queen Elizabeth at Royal Ascot in 2012.

She was retired in 2013 after amassing nearly $8 million in prize money.

Moody, who trained the mare to her unbeaten record, reflected on his time with the champion sprinter.

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

“You don’t think it affects you, but it does. It’s impossible not to get attached to most animals, but one like her, you cannot but do so.”

Jockey Luke Nolen, who rode the mare in 22 of her 25 victorious starts, said he was fortunate to be a part of her “wonderful career”.

“Most riders would give their right arm to get a chance to be a part of [a] chapter of racing history like I was, and I was fortunate enough I got to ride her most of her career,” he said.

“It’s a little bit of a hollow feeling [right now], a blur because she meant a lot to us.”

Victoria Racing Club chairman Neil Wilson extended his condolences on behalf of the club.

“Today’s news is a shock to us all. Black Caviar was more than a champion racehorse, she was an important part of life for many people,” Wilson said.

“Her brilliance, her presence and the pleasure and inspiration she gave to so many was a special moment in time for horse racing and sport more generally.”