Sheza Alibi wins Crown Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington

The official crowd of 13,522 represented a 45 per cent increase on last year's attendance of 9,277, highlighting strong momentum heading into the Melbourne Cup Carnival.  

The Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman-trained mare put in a breathtaking performance, dashing away from the classy field with regular rider Luke Nolen aboard. Caulfield Guineas winner Autumn Boy stormed home to finish in second with Another Wil bravely holding on for third. 

The fairytale continues for Queensland cattle farmer Fred Noffke, who purchased Sheza Alibi as a weanling for just $10,000, with the mare now firmly established among Australia’s best. The late Makybe Diva’s owner Tony Santic was on-course to present the winning trophy to connections. 

The Road to the Cup begins for the connections of Shockletz, who stamped her ticket into the Lexus Melbourne Cup by winning the Group 3 Lexus Archer Stakes (2500m). Trained by Ciaron Maher and ridden by jockey Harry Coffey, the daughter of 2009 Cup winner Shocking now has her sights firmly set on the 2026 Lexus Melbourne Cup.  

Sydney galloper Paradoxium, trainer Bjorn Baker and ridden by Jason Collett, was impressive winning the Group 3 Schweppes Poseidon Stakes (1100m) and will return to Flemington on Howden Victoria Derby Day in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m). 

VRC Chief Executive Kylie Rogers said the strong crowd and quality racing had set the tone for the Spring Racing Carnival at Flemington. 

“Crown Makybe Diva Stakes Day was a terrific way to launch spring racing at Flemington, with more than 13,000 racegoers turning out to enjoy great weather, outstanding racing and a fantastic atmosphere.”  

“We’re excited about what lies ahead, with the TAB Turnbull Stakes just weeks away before all roads lead to the Melbourne Cup Carnival, where we look forward to welcoming even more racegoers to Flemington.” 

The next race day at Flemington will be TAB Turnbull Stakes Day on Saturday 3 October.