Makybe Diva steals the show on Sofitel Girls’ Day Out

Makybe Diva paraded in the Mounting Yard before the running of the Group 1 and had rows of racegoers lining up to see her in the horse stalls throughout the day. The 25-year-old superstar was joined on track by her regular jockey Glen Boss and owner Tony Santic, who reminisced about the mare’s threepeat in Australia’s most iconic race, the Lexus Melbourne Cup.

Australian-born international model and body diversity advocate Georgina Burke was also trackside to meet Makybe Diva as part of her Melbourne Cup Carnival Ambassador role alongside other famous faces including Hall of Fame trainer and VRC Ambassador Gai Waterhouse AO, VRC Ambassador Crystal Kimber-Peters, actor and thoroughbred owner Daniel Macpherson and friend of the VRC and model Demi Brereton.

The undercard featured the $300,000 Group 2 Let’s Elope Stakes (1400m) where Western Australia’s boom horse Amelias Jewel proved she could mix it with the mares on the east coast, before Star Patrol won the $300,000 Group 2 Bobbie Lewis Quality (1200m).

VRC Chief Executive Officer Steve Rosich said it was a stellar start to spring at Flemington.

“Sofiel Girls’ Day Out delivered everything we have come to expect from a Group 1 race day at Flemington including spectacular performances on the track, live entertainment all day long and great weather,” Mr Rosich said.

“It was special to see Makybe Diva back at Flemington interacting with fans and at 25 years old she looked as good as ever. A special thank you to owner Tony Santic for bringing his champion mare back to the people.

“Today was the perfect entrée to the Melbourne Cup Carnival in just 49 days and between now and then we still have Spring Classics Preview Day and TAB Turnbull Stakes Day to look forward to.”

VRC Members and guests enjoyed the returning Meet the Milliner activation in The Atrium alongside the popular Pamper Lounge while children had a day full of activities at the Flemington Family Lawn.

Sales of Lexus Melbourne Cup Pins continued for the VRC’s Pin & Win charity partner, the Australian Childhood Foundation. Australian Childhood Foundation CEO Dr Joe Tucci was on track to present the trophy to connections of Carini in the Australian Childhood Foundation Plate (1700m).

The next race day at Flemington will be Spring Classics Preview Day on Sunday 24 September. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit vrc.com.au.

Spring Classics Preview Day will see a free tour of the Flemington stables before the race day, with entry open to the public. For more information, visit vrc.com.au.