Makybe Diva was an out and out champion and the only horse to win three Melbourne Cups and the only mare to win it multiple times.
She was retired after her third Cup win with a record of 15 wins from 36 starts where 10 of those were Group 1s.
This weekend’s Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington is named after the legendary racehorse and to mark the 20th anniversary of her first Cup win. the much-loved ‘Diva’ will make a special appearance at the Melbourne racetrack.
In our tribute to the triple Melbourne Cup champion, we look back at her trifecta of record-breaking Melbourne Cup wins in 2003, 2004 and 2005.
Makybe Diva will be returning to Flemington this weekend and we can hardly wait! 🌼🌻🌸@FlemingtonVRC | 📸: Jason Edwards pic.twitter.com/5erxMATBAV
— Racing Victoria (@RacingVictoria) September 12, 2023
"A champion becomes a legend."
— Racing.com (@Racing) September 12, 2023
Where were you when Makybe Diva won her third consecutive Melbourne Cup? 🏆
It was 10 years ago when the Makybe Diva Stakes became a G1 race 👏 pic.twitter.com/Dyrm9bBUQJ
2003 – The Dynasty Begins
Who would have thought that this would be the start of a Melbourne Cup dynasty.
She travelled like a future champion in the run and when Glen Boss pressed the button at the clock tower, she exploded and put the race away in the space of 100m and a champion was unearthed.
2004 – First Mare To Win Multiple Cups
After suffering a narrow defeat in the Caulfield Cup, she was well-supported and sent out a $3.60 favourite on a gloomy, wet Melbourne day.
She just needed an ounce of luck on the rail and when the gap appeared, she showed her trademark turn of foot to power through the conditions and do “what no mare has done” in winning multiple Cups, let alone back-to-back.
2005 – Historic Cup Treble
A champion becomes a legend
Most punters would remember where they watched her win her third consecutive Melbourne Cup.
Sent out a $4.40 favourite, this would be her final run in a great career.
She looked to be in an awkward spot but Bossy never panicked and he picked his way through the field and as they turned the final corner, she just trucks into the race about 8 wide, you were lining up to collect.
Race caller Greg Mile summed it up perfectly at the 300m when he said, “a nation roars for a hero,” and she didn’t let them down.
Consistent with her previous two wins, the race was beyond doubt over the final furlong and ‘a champion becomes a legend’.