Makybe Diva, the only horse to win the Melbourne Cup three times, has died at the age of 26. The legendary Australian racehorse passed away on Saturday after a short battle with colic, a gastrointestinal issue affecting horses.
Owner Tony Santic paid tribute, saying: 'From the day she came into our lives, she was never just a racehorse, she was family. She gave us moments Australia will never forget, but more than that, she gave us joy every single day.'
British-born Makybe Diva made history by winning the Melbourne Cup in 2003, 2004 and 2005, becoming the first horse since Think Big in 1975 to achieve multiple wins. Jockey Glen Boss rode her to the third consecutive triumph, which commentator Greg Miles described as 'when a champion becomes a legend.'
Beyond the Melbourne Cup, Makybe Diva also won the 2005 Cox Plate, among 15 victories from 36 starts. She earned $14.5 million in prize money and was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame in 2006.
Victoria Racing Club chairman Neil Wilson said: '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.'
Makybe Diva retired after the 2005 Melbourne Cup and lived out her days at Santic's Gnarwarre farm. Her unusual name was derived from the first two letters of five of Santic's employees: Maureen, Kylie, Belinda, Diane and Vanessa.
