Mr Brightside cemented his place in racing history at Flemington on Saturday, becoming the first male horse to claim three consecutive Group 1 victories at the famous track after a brilliant performance in the Makybe Diva Stakes.
The Lindsay Park stalwart made all the running under Craig Williams, dictating from the outset before powering home to secure his tenth Group 1 win. Starting at $5, Mr Brightside held off stablemate Aeliana ($5) by 1-½ lengths, while Via Sistina ($1.80 fav) finished another neck away in third.
His latest triumph places him alongside some of Australia’s most celebrated mares. Makybe Diva won three Melbourne Cups, Black Caviar took three Lightning Stakes, while Tranquil Star and Wakeful each claimed three Mackinnon Stakes before Group 1 classification was introduced in the late 1970s.
Ben Hayes could not hide his pride, praising both horse and jockey. “It was a 10-out-of-10 ride. Tactically he got an easy time early and because he got an easy time, they couldn’t catch him, a champion like him,” Hayes said. “To win three Makybe Diva’s and make it 10 Group 1’s, he’s an amazing horse and we’re so lucky to have him.”
The gelding has been the cornerstone of the Hayes brothers’ stable since joining them in 2021, shortly after David Hayes moved to Hong Kong. In addition to his Group 1 tally, Mr Brightside is officially an 11-time elite winner with the 2023 All-Star Mile and has 12 Group 1 placings to his name.
Looking ahead, Hayes suggested the eight-year-old will remain at his preferred mile distance despite being among first acceptances for the Cox Plate (2040m). “He’s so good over a mile. His mile record is amazing,” Hayes said. “The Feehan, we’ll definitely consider it. If not, he might have a trial and then go to the King Charles III in Sydney.”