Farewell to the Legendary Makybe Diva
Makybe Diva, the esteemed thoroughbred who captured the hearts of Australians, has passed away at the age of 27. A remarkable three-time Melbourne Cup champion, she won a total of 15 races and amassed over $14 million in prizemoney during her storied career.
Achievements of Makybe Diva
Her Melbourne Cup victories were achieved in 2003, 2004, and 2005, making her the only horse to secure this title three times. Trained initially by David Hall and later by Lee Freedman, she was ridden by the renowned jockey Glenn Boss throughout these wins.
Major Wins
Makybe Diva’s impressive racing record includes:
- Melbourne Cup (3 times, G1, 3200m)
- Sydney Cup (G1, 3200m)
- WS Cox Plate (G1, 2040m)
- The BMW (G1, 2400m)
- Australian Cup (G1, 2000m)
- VRC Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G2, 2500m)
- Memsie Stakes (G2, 1400m)
- Turnbull Stakes (G2, 2000m)
- Werribee Cup (Listed, 2000m)
Her racing prowess also extended to weight-for-age events. This versatility solidified her status as one of Australia’s most celebrated racehorses.
A Legacy in Breeding
After her retirement from racing, Makybe Diva transitioned to breeding. Her first two foals were a colt by Galileo and a filly by Fusaichi Pegasus. Both were sold at the Inglis Easter auction, with the colt fetching $1.5 million and later racing under the name Rockstardom, achieving two wins. The filly, La Dolce Diva, sold for $1.2 million, though she did not perform as well with four unsuccessful starts.
Successful Offspring
Throughout the years, Makybe Diva’s progeny have varied in success:
- All Too Hard mare Divanation: Sold as a yearling for $300,000, she won several races and gained Black Type with a second in the Listed Warrnambool Cup.
Makybe Diva leaves behind five daughters at stud, ensuring her legacy continues in the world of thoroughbred racing.
Australia mourns the loss of this iconic horse, a symbol of heart, history, and national pride.
