Three-time G1 Melbourne Cup heroine Makybe Diva has died after a short battle with colic. An Australian racing icon, she was a member of the Australian Racing Hall of Fame since 2006 and achieved Legend status in 2010. She was 27.
By Desert King, the mare won the Melbourne Cup from 2003-2005 and is the only Melbourne Cup winner to take the “Race that Stops the Nation” three times.
Makybe Stud said in a statement, “A once-in-a-generation legend, Makybe Diva captured the imagination of the nation and the admiration of the global racing community. Her career was defined by courage, endurance and historic achievement. Today, Makybe Diva remains the only horse in history to win three consecutive victories in the Melbourne Cup in 2003, 2004 and 2005.”
The Tony Santic-owned runner was first trained by David Hall and captured her first Melbourne Cup for him in 2003. She then moved to the yard of Lee Freedman and was ridden by Hall of Fame jockey Glenn Boss to her other successes. Seven of her victories were Group 1 wins, including the Cox Plate, the Australian Cup, the BMW Stakes and the Sydney Cup.
VRC chairman Neil Wilson said of the dual Australian Horse of the Year (2005/2006), “Makybe Diva was more than a champion – she truly transcended the sport of racing. Her three consecutive Melbourne Cup victories stand among the most iconic achievements in Australian sporting history, and the memories she created will never be forgotten.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to her connections, and to the broader racing community who will feel the significance of this loss.”
At stud, the daughter of Tugela (Riverman) foaled 10 offspring, with Divanation (All Too Hard) third in a listed race and another daughter producing Group 2-placed Touch Of Mink (Not A Single Doubt).
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