The great Makybe Diva was a Melbourne Cup phenomenon.
She is the only horse to win the race three times, which she managed in successive years. She is also one of only two mares to win the race more than once.
Makybe Diva not only won this race in 2003, 2004 and 2005, but also took the Cox Plate in ’05 too. We’re delving into her and going through her three amazing wins.
About Makybe Diva
Makybe Diva was foaled on March 21st, 1999 in England. Owing to being a Northern Hemisphere horse, she was classed as too old and therefore couldn’t compete in Oaks races and the like against her “own” age group.
Initially trained by David Hall and then Lee Freedman, she finished with a record of 15 wins from 36 runs, amassing more than $14 million in prize money.
Among her career achievements were wins in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Sydney Cup, Australian Cup, Turnbull Stakes, the Cox Plate and famously, three Melbourne Cups.
Makybe Diva’s Melbourne Cup Wins
Makybe Diva was as big as 14/1 for the Caulfield Cup in October. Nobody was to know how good she’d turn out. Now ridden by Glen Boss, she came with a major late rattle from last to fourth and it seemed she was set for a big run in her first Melbourne Cup.
2003 Melbourne Cup
Over 122,000 people were at Flemington for the 2003 Melbourne Cup. Makybe Diva, trained by David Hall, line up in barrier 14.
After her Caulfield Cup run, Diva was an $8 chance and second in the market. With the pace looking hot, Glen Boss kept her at the back right until the home straight. From there, the pair booted past the field to win impressively by a length and a half.
2004 Melbourne Cup
Though strongly fancied for a repeat win, Makybe Diva was up against a hot field in 2004. Now trained by Lee Freedman, her prep was ideal and the crowd were expectant.
This time, Makybe Diva was priced at only $3.60. As the rain soaked the track, she managed again to swoop past a field including Irish St Leger winner Vinnie Roe, representing crack training Dermot Weld. 98,000 were on hand to see the first back-to-back winner since Think Big in 1975.
2005 Melbourne Cup
Before her historic bid for a third Melbourne Cup, Makybe Diva’s participation was in doubt. The track was very firm in the build-up, though officials decided to water which satisfied her connections.
Once more, Diva was settled at the back of the pack. She was shuffled through midway, before hitting the front with around 300 metres to go. She hit the line 1¼ lengths in front to make history in front of 106,000 people.
On November 1, 2005, Makybe Diva became the first horse to win three Melbourne Cups. She was retired immediately after the race.
