Tributes are flowing in memory of famous racehorse Makybe Diva, the only horse to have won the Melbourne Cup three times, after she died following a short battle with colic aged 27.
The heroine of Australian turf landed the race that stops the nation in consecutive years across 2003, 2004 and 2005, making her one of the most recognisable cult figures of worldwide racing.
She was retired immediately following her final cup victory and was honoured with a life-sized statue at Flemington Racecourse the following year.
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Owned by South Australian tuna fisherman Tony Santic, Makybe Diva was named for taking the opening two letters of five of his employees: Maureen, Kylie, Belinda, Diane and Vanessa.
“From the day she came into our lives, she was never just a racehorse, she was family,” Santic said in a statement after her death.
“She gave us moments Australia will never forget, but more than that, she gave us joy every single day.
“She was loved from the beginning, and she stayed loved for her whole life.”
Makybe Diva in 2005. Credit: TREVOR COLLENS/WA News
Born in the United Kingdom, she was offered for sale at the 1999 Tatts Newmarket foal sale but did not reach her reserve and alongside her mother, Tugela, were shipped to Australia.
Her first Melbourne Cup came under the care of David Hall, however, when he left to train in Hong Kong, she was transferred to Lee Freedman.
Makybe Stud, where the mare was based, issued a eulogy.
Glen Boss celebrates in 2005. Credit: SEBASTIAN COSTANZO/Fairfax
“A once-in-a-generation legend, Makybe Diva captured the imagination of the nation and the admiration of the global racing community,” the statement read.
“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.”
Makybe Diva has died aged 27. Credit: Getty
A chorus of sympathy has echoed on social media, including from Living Legends horse farm and her home state’s racing body.
Living Legends wrote on X: “Vale Makybe Diva️. Sending our condolences to owner Tony Santic and all of the Diva’s connections and followers. Your visits to Living Legends will be deeply missed.”
World Horse Racing said: “One of the greatest race horses of all time, Makybe Diva, has sadly passed away️. She is still to this day the only horse to win three Melbourne Cups, and in an incredible three consecutive years from 2003-2005. There may never be another one like her, and we will miss her.”
Racing Victoria wrote: “A true legend of Australian racing, Makybe Diva’s extraordinary career was highlighted by her historic three consecutive victories in the Melbourne Cup (2003–2005) — a feat that cemented her place among the sport’s immortals. Vale Makybe Diva.”
Makybe Diva after her 3rd Melbourne Cup win with Strapper, Christine Mitchell. Credit: Sebastian Costanzo SCZ/Fairfax
Utilised as a broodmare following her racing career, her progeny were unable to match her heroics on the track.
Glen Boss steered the bonny mare for each of her three cups and is hailed as one of the modern greats of race riding, mostly for his success on ‘The Queen’.
