VRC Chairman Neil Wilson is very much looking forward to welcoming “The Diva” back to Flemington and was grateful to Tony Santic for sharing the champion mare with the public again.
“It is very fitting to celebrate the return of Group 1 racing at Flemington with a very special appearance of Makybe Diva, one of Australia’s original equine mega stars. On behalf of the VRC, I thank Tony Santic for his generosity in bringing her back to Flemington” Mr Wilson said.
“She sits among the greats of not only horse racing but Australian sporting stars. Her statue stands proudly at Flemington as a symbol of her impact on racing in Australia and internationally.
“Australia has been blessed with star mares such as Winx and Black Caviar since Makybe Diva, but it’s unlikely that any horse will win three Melbourne Cups in a row again and we felt it was important to not only relive her journey, but to involve the next generation of followers of our sport in her remarkable story.”
Managing owner Tony Santic is pleased to be able to bring her back to Flemington.
“Flemington will always hold a special place in my heart, and it is an honour to be able to bring her back here to share her with the people who gave her so much during her racing career,” Mr Santic said.
“It is incredible to think that this journey began 20 years ago and it brings back such fond memories. We are so happy to see Makybe enjoy a happy retirement after all of the joy she brought myself, my family and the wider Australian public.”
