First Makybe Diva Foal Goes on Sale
Makybe Diva is known to everyone in Australasia and seen as one of the most legendary racehorses of her time. It was a heartbreaking moment for fans and owner alike, when she retired on 1 November 2005, but the decision was made in her best interest. Now, her first foal will be available at the Makybe Bloodstock Auction, which is set to be an exciting event. With so much interest already being shown in her colt, it is estimated that he will sell for approximately $3 million.
Makybe Diva was sired by Desert King and born out of Tugela, and that alone was an indication that she had what it takes to make a name for herself. But the moment she hit the racetracks, everyone knew that they were watching history in the making. The moment that cemented her place in horse racing history came in 2005, when she won the Melbourne Cup for the third year consecutively. Only four other horses won the Melbourne Cup twice, namely Archer (1861, 1862), Peter Pan (1932, 1934), Rain Lover (1968, 1969) and Think Big (1974, 1975). During her racing career, she raked in more than AU$14 million. Makybe Diva walked away from racing with spectacular victories under her belt, including the VRC Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2002), Sydney Cup (2004) and the Australian Cup, BMW Stakes, Memsie Stakes, Turnbull Stakes and the Cox Plate in 2005. She was also awarded the Australian Racehorse of the Year Award in 2005 and 2006, won the Australian Champion Staver Award in 2004, 2005, and 2006, was named the Australian Champion Filly and Mare in 2005 and Australian Middle Distance Champion in 2006. Makybe Diva was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame in 4 July 2006 and a bronze statue of this magnificent racehorse was erected at the Flemington Racecourse and in Port Lincoln, her owner Tony Santic’s home town.
The colt’s sire, Galileo also has an impressive horse racing record and is known as the leading sire in Europe. He was born in 1998, sired by the well known Sadler’s Wells and born out of Urban Sea. In 2001, Galileo won the Ballysax Stakes, Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial, Epsom Derby, Irish Derby Stakes, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, and the European Champion Three Year Old Colt Award.
The colt is anticipated to be the most sought after sale of the year, but will also be in good company with the full brother to Musket and the three-quarter brother to Makybe Diva also being on sale. But the colt will probably be winning over many hearts at the auction, as he is as strong as he is gentle, inheriting his mother’s good nature and tender temperament. Those wanting to purchase the first foal from this astounding combination of good genes, will have to start saving, as owning this beautiful foal will not come cheaply.
