Legendary Australian racehorse Makybe Diva has died at the age of 26, marking the end of an era for the sport. The only horse ever to win the prestigious Melbourne Cup on three occasions, she passed away on Saturday following a brief battle with colic, a gastrointestinal condition that commonly affects horses.
A Champion Beyond Compare
Makybe Diva's remarkable career included 15 victories from 36 starts, with her most notable achievements being three consecutive Melbourne Cup wins from 2003 to 2005 and a triumph in the 2005 Cox Plate. Her owner, Tony Santic, expressed deep sorrow, stating, "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. She was loved from the beginning, and she stayed loved for her whole life."
Historic Racing Legacy
No horse had achieved multiple Melbourne Cup victories since Think Big in 1975 until Makybe Diva's unprecedented streak, and no horse has matched this feat since. Her place in Australian sporting history was cemented when jockey Glen Boss guided her to a third consecutive Cup win in 2005, with race caller Greg Miles famously declaring it the moment "when a champion becomes a legend."
After retiring from racing following her 2005 Melbourne Cup victory, Makybe Diva spent her retirement years at Santic's Gnarwarre farm. Throughout her career, she amassed an impressive $14.5 million in prize money and was rightfully inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame in 2006.
Tributes from the Racing Community
Victoria Racing Club chairman Neil Wilson led the tributes, saying, "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." Flowers were laid in her honour at Flemington Racecourse, symbolising the profound impact she had on fans and the industry alike.
Makybe Diva's unique name was derived from the first two letters of five of Santic's employees: Maureen, Kylie, Belinda, Diane, and Vanessa. This personal touch added to her enduring legacy as a beloved figure both on and off the track.
