Chapter 01
From Europe to Australia
Makybe Diva was conceived in Ireland and born in England. After she failed to sell at auction, owner Tony Santic arranged for her to be transported to Australia.
She was named using the first two letters of the names of five employees from Santic’s tuna fishing business: Maureen, Kylie, Belinda, Diane and Vanessa.
Chapter 02
The First Melbourne Cup
Makybe Diva’s racing career developed gradually before she emerged as an elite stayer. She won her first Melbourne Cup in 2003 under jockey Glen Boss.
David Hall began her training career, but after he moved to Hong Kong, Lee Freedman took over. The change proved highly successful and helped shape the mare’s greatest period.
Chapter 03
Three Cups in a Row
Makybe Diva returned to win the Melbourne Cup again in 2004 and then created history in 2005 by winning the race for a third consecutive year.
Glen Boss rode her in all three victories. No other horse has won the Melbourne Cup three times, making her achievement one of the greatest records in Australian racing.
Chapter 04
Beyond Flemington
Makybe Diva was not simply a Melbourne Cup specialist. She also won major races including the Sydney Cup, Australian Cup, BMW Stakes and Cox Plate.
Her Cox Plate success in 2005 demonstrated her versatility and confirmed that she possessed both stamina and the class to compete at the highest level over shorter distances.
Chapter 05
Honours and Legacy
Makybe Diva retired in November 2005 as Australia’s highest stakes-earner, with prize money exceeding 14 million Australian dollars.
She was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame in 2006, and statues were erected in her honour. Her three Melbourne Cup victories remain one of the defining achievements in the history of the race.