KIDS Foundation celebrates Horses’ Birthday with Makybe Diva at Flemington

Three-time Melbourne Cup winner Makybe Diva, who turned 26 years old on what is the official birthday of all horses in the southern hemisphere, was presented with a special cake by some of the children from KIDS Foundation.

Makybe Diva made history at Flemington Racecourse two decades ago when she became the first horse to win the Melbourne Cup three times from 2003-2005. Her role with KIDS Foundation will see her feature in a series of animated children’s books based around themes of kindness and empathy, while a group of trauma and injury survivors will visit her at Makybe Stud each year as part of the KIDS Foundation Victorian recovery camp.

KIDS Foundation was established 30 years ago to make a difference in child wellbeing, safety and injury recovery. The KIDS team works with children to help them overcome horrific injuries and trauma caused through burns, accidents, violent crime and abuse, supporting them to recover and build a strong life through education and empowerment, recovery camps and programs. All 2024 programs have an equine focus, with many incorporating retired racehorses.

Thursday’s event also served as the launch for Tour d’Horse 2025, with guests hearing from KIDS Foundation Founder and CEO Dr Susie O’Neill OAM, KIDS Foundation supporter Anto White OAM, KIDS Ambassador and burns survivor Matt Thiele and Makybe Diva’s owner Tony Santic.

The inaugural edition of Tour d’Horse was successfully conducted by KIDS Foundation in January 2024, and saw riders and horses walk 200km to raise more than half a million dollars. The VRC was the first organisation to sign up for 2024 and participated alongside 16 other teams including Godolphin, Michael Freedman, Anthony & Sam Freedman, Michelle Payne Racing, Magic Millions, MRC Foundation, Emirates Park, Petstock and Greg Eurell.

The funds raised by Tour d’Horse 2024 have positioned KIDS Foundation to reach 200,000 children via recovery camps, early intervention programs and resources for underprivileged families and communities. Tour d’Horse will be back in 2025 with sights set on raising even more funds to support this incredible work.