Vale Makybe Diva

The thoroughbred racing industry was in mourning on Saturday after the passing of one of the greatest racehorses in Australian history, Makybe Diva, following a sudden bout of colic at the age of 27. 

A once-in-a-generation mare, Makybe Diva captivated the nation with her courage, durability and incredible staying prowess. Her extraordinary career, highlighted by three successive Melbourne Cup victories, redefined what was thought possible on Australian turf and inspired a new generation of racing fans.

Inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame in 2006, Makybe Diva’s name is etched forever into the fabric of the sport and she remains the only horse to achieve the historic Melbourne Cup three-peat

She secured the first of her seven Group 1 wins in the 2003 Melbourne Cup, while her other elite-level victories included the Sydney Cup, Australian Cup and the Cox Plate. Her final dance with the turf was her history-making third victory in the race that stops a nation, ensuring her decorated racing career ended on the perfect note.

A true icon of the turf, Makybe Diva won 15 of her 36 starts and amassed over $14m in career prizemoney. 

Racing Victoria CEO Aaron Morrison said Makybe Diva leaves behind an indelible mark on the Australian racing industry as a horse who truly transcended the sport. 

“On behalf of Racing Victoria and the entire Victorian racing community, we extend our deepest gratitude for the joy and pride Makybe Diva brought to so many,” Morrison said.

“Makybe Diva was more than a champion racehorse, she was a national icon.

“Her three Melbourne Cup victories stand as one of the greatest achievements in Australian sporting history. She carried the hopes of the nation each spring and delivered moments that will live forever in the hearts of racing fans.

“She showed us what true greatness and tenacity looks like - courage under pressure, consistency at the highest level and the ability to rise to every challenge that was put in front of her. She elevated our sport and helped bring Australian racing to the world stage.”

Beyond her career on the track, Makybe Diva continued to enhance her racing legacy as a broodmare, ensuring her influence would endure for generations to come.

Today, Racing Victoria joins the broader racing community in honouring a mare whose name will forever be synonymous with Australia’s greatest race. 

The thoughts of all at Racing Victoria are with her adoring owner Tony Santic, her two trainers David Hall and Lee Freedman, her regular rider Glen Boss and all of those connected to Makybe Diva throughout her distinguished career both on and off the track. 

ENDS