Black Caviar co-proprietor Colin Madden has poured cold water on reports the champion mare could be close to retirement, but says she has earned herself a vacation immediately after trying to keep her winning streak intact at Royal Ascot.

Ridden by Luke Nolan and educated by Peter Moody, Black Caviar edged the Group 1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes from French runner Moonlight Cloud in a near finish, marking 22 wins in as several races.

Mr Madden said rumours of retirement had been premature, but said the horse would have a rest on her return to Australia.

“No, I think it really is like anything – we’re all closer to that large day than when we began,” he informed Seven Network on Sunday.

“So with Black Caviar, she has much less races to run than she has run.

“But this program has been extended, it’s been tough, it really is been arduous.”

He mentioned the overseas travel had taken a toll on Black Caviar.

“She’s accomplished an heroic task and so she requirements a minor rest now,” he mentioned.

He stated he had a bad case of nerves as the mare raced house for a nailbiting win.

“Oh it was horrible, just plain horrible – there is nothing at all pleasant about that encounter!” he stated,

“In simple fact, I considered we had come second.”

His wife and fellow co-proprietor Jannene Madden stated the jockey had carried out a excellent job in spite of the photo-finish.

“We’re quite proud of Luke.

“He doesn’t need to do something more than get Black Caviar across the line in front, and that’s what he did.”