Racing rocked as Black Caviar's little brother near death with hoof disease after spider bite Black Caviar's half-brother 'Jimmy' is fighting for his life after suffering a severe reaction to treatment for a white-tailed spider bite. Black Caviar's $5 million brother, known as Jimmy, is fighting for his life after being bitten by a spider Source: Supplied THE life of Australia's most expensive yearling - Black Caviar's $5millon half-brother - hangs in the balance. Known as Jimmy, the unraced two-year-old colt is battling potentially lethal hoof disease laminitis. Jimmy's fate is expected to be known in the next 24 hours as owners hold "grave fears for the colt." Jimmy's owners BC3 Thoroughbreds believe the colt was bitten by a white tail spider, sparking the infection. Jimmy was floated to the Werribee Veterinary Clinic two weeks ago after failing to shrug off the infection. Simon Marshall, of BC3 Thoroughbreds, said Jimmy "is in a critical stage of the development of laminitis." The owners with Jimmy after buying the colt at the Sydney Easter Yearling Sale. Laminitis is an insidious disease which affects hooved animals. The condition claimed the life of former champion mare Sunline. BC3 Thoroughbreds said Jimmy reacted adversely to antibiotics given to treat the original infection. "BC3 is disappointed to announce that our Redoute's Choice x Helsinge colt, known as Jimmy, has been suffering from an infected leg, believed to be caused by a white tail spider bite," BC3 Thoroughbreds said in a statement. He has been at the Werribee Clinic for the past two weeks where he has been receiving treatment. Unfortunately, during this time he suffered antibiotic derived diarrhoea and this has led to an onset of laminitis. While we hold grave concerns for his welfare, he is receiving the best veterinary care available from both Werribee Clinic and consultants from around the world. Black Caviar, ridden by jockey Luke Nolen in the orange silks with black polka dots, wins the TJ Smith Stakes at Royal Randwick. BC3's CEO Craig Cameron said, "We hope that the next 48 hours provides more positive news." Flemington Equine Veterinarian, Tom Brennan said: "The next 48 hours is critical in determining his future." Jimmy holds the record as the highest-priced yearling ever sold in Australasia after he brought $5 million at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale in April. BC3 Thoroughbred last year bought Jimmy's sister, Belle Couture. The filly is yet to race. Trained by Team Hawkes, Jimmy is regarded as one of most valuable horses in Australia. He is a half-brother to turf idol Black Caviar, who retired unbeaten after 25 starts, and also closely related to multiple Group 1 sprinter All Too Harder.