Remembering Makybe Diva: From champion to legend

Makybe Diva may never have become the household name she did if not for the purchase of the broodmare Tugela by Croatian-born Port Lincoln tuna fisherman Tony Santic. Enlisting John Foote Bloodstock, Santic secured the American-bred mare in foal to Irish Derby winner Desert King for 60,000 Guineas at the 1998 Tattersall’s December Mare Sale at Newmarket in the UK.

The resultant filly failed to attract a bid as a weanling and was sent to Australia with her dam — a twist of fate that would change Australian sport forever.

Her unusual name was formed from the first two letters of employees at Tony’s Tuna in Port Lincoln — Maureen, Kylie, Belinda, Diane and Vanessa. Few could have imagined that combination would become one of the most revered names in racing history.

After settling in Australia, Makybe Diva was sent to trainer David Hall. She debuted in July 2002 at Benalla, finishing fourth in a maiden before reeling off six consecutive victories, including the Werribee Cup and the Queen Elizabeth Stakes during the 2002 Melbourne Cup Carnival.

Her Queen Elizabeth Stakes triumph secured ballot exemption into the 2003 Melbourne Cup — the beginning of an unprecedented era. It also marked the start of her legendary partnership with champion jockey Glen Boss.

Boss guided her to her first Cup victory in 2003 with a sweeping run through the field. In 2004, after transferring to trainer Lee Freedman when Hall moved to Hong Kong, she defended her title on a rain-affected track with a daring rails ride. In 2005, perfectly positioned throughout, she secured an extraordinary third consecutive triumph — a feat never achieved before and unlikely to be repeated.

As race caller Greg Miles famously declared: “A champion becomes a legend.”

Makybe Diva retired immediately after her third Cup win, concluding her career with 36 starts for 15 wins and more than $14.5 million in prizemoney.

She stands alone as the only horse to win three Melbourne Cups. While greats such as Phar Lap and Carbine are rightly celebrated, Makybe Diva’s trio of victories sets her apart in a race that defines Australian sporting folklore.

Inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame in 2006 and elevated to Legend status in 2010, her legacy extended well beyond her racing career. In 2007, the VRC renamed the Craiglee Stakes in her honour; the race later attained Group 1 status in 2013 and remains a fitting tribute to her enduring influence.

As a broodmare, she produced six winners from eight foals to race before retiring from stud duties in 2020. Though none replicated her brilliance, her bloodlines continue to shape future generations.

In 2020, she returned to Flemington to parade before the Melbourne Cup, accompanied by Tony Santic and Glen Boss — a poignant reminder of her place in the heart of the sport, even as pandemic restrictions denied fans the chance to see her in person.

In retirement, she resided at Makybe Racing & Breeding in Gnarwarre, west of Geelong, founded by Santic — living out her days as the queen of Australian racing.

Her passing marks the end of an era, but her legend will never fade.

From champion to immortal legend — Makybe Diva’s name will forever define greatness in the Melbourne Cup.