The Australian racing scene mourns a true legend.

Saturday marked the end for three-time Melbourne Cup winner Makybe Diva, who succumbed to colic complications.

Unmatched in history, Makybe Diva captured three Melbourne Cups in a row from 2003 to 2005, and owner Tony Santic wasted no time in announcing her departure from competition after that final glory.

Awarded Australian Champion Racehorse of the Year in 2005 for her brilliant run that included the Australian Cup, BMW Stakes, Memsie Stakes, Turnbull Stakes, Cox Plate and the pinnacle Melbourne Cup.

She was welcomed into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame the next year and elevated to Legend Status in 2010.

Trained initially by David Hall, Makybe Diva joined Lee Freedman after Hall pursued opportunities in Hong Kong, achieving 15 wins out of 36 races and pocketing $14.5 million prizemoney.

“From the day she came into our lives, she was never just a racehorse she was family,” Santic said.

“She gave us moments Australia will never forget, but more than that, she gave us joy every single day.

“She was loved from the beginning, and she stayed loved for her whole life.”

Makybe Diva’s descendants couldn’t match her accomplishments on the course, so post-breeding retirement, the mare settled into life at Santic’s estate near Geelong.

Reflecting on Makybe Diva’s Melbourne Cup triumphs, racing enthusiasts should visit racing betting markets for the latest options in 2026.