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2026 03 05

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Moonee Valley Racing Club respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of this land – the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people of the Kulin Nation – and pays our respects to its Elders past, present, and emerging.

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The Cox Plate lost one of the most illustrious members of its prestigious honour roll last week with the passing of the LEGENDARY Makybe Diva.

The mare who made history: Honouring Makybe Diva

The Cox Plate lost one of the most illustrious members of its prestigious honour roll last week with the passing of the LEGENDARY Makybe Diva.The Lee Freedman-trained champion claimed a memorable 2005 edition of ‘Australia’s Best Race’ made famous by a wall of horses taking off at the 500-metre mark.The victory would become her second last race start before she would go on to win a historic third Melbourne Cup.33,153 people turned out to The Valley with 10,000 red, white and blue masks handed out to adoring racegoers as she became the first mare to complete the Melbourne Cup-Cox Plate double.“She changed my life forever,” Glenn Boss told the MVRC on reflection.“She left a huge hoofprint not only in our sport but in Australian history.“Because what she created was that unique, that might not be done again.”The daughter of Desert King finished fourth in a Benalla maiden on debut in 2002 but would then go on to win her next six starts in her initial campaign on her rise to stardom.Makybe Diva also raced in the Feehan Stakes at The Valley on two occasions and was beaten a nose in both the 2004 and 2005 editions by Delzao and Lad of the Manor.She was aged 27 and had resided at owner Tony Santic’s Makybe Stud in Gnarwarre.“When I saw her a few months ago, she was looking so good and healthy, but I couldn’t help but feel as I left her, that this could be the last time,” Boss told Racing.com last week.“She looked healthy, but at that age, they are so close to the end.“I definitely had that feeling I might not ever see her again. I would have loved to have seen her one more time but I had that feeling that might be it and we sort of had our goodbye in a way.”

The Valley will once again play host to a leg of the National Pony Racing Series, with the Victorian event set to take place on 3 Point Motors William Reid Stakes Day, Saturday 22 March.A collaboration between Pony Club Australia and Thoroughbred Industry Careers (TIC), the series is designed to educate young riders on careers in the racing and breeding industry, giving them a taste of professional competition on major racedays.The series features six race meetings across Australia, culminating in the national finals in June. Before the Victorian leg, Ballarat hosted a Jumpstart weekend, where participants received riding instruction, horse health education, career insights, and rider fitness training.&nbsp;In preparation for their big moment on 3 Point Motors William Reid Stakes Day, competitors will also take part in a training day at The Valley to familiarise themselves with the track.On Saturday, two pony races will be held for state finalists aged 9 to 15. The first, over 450m at 11:30 am, is for ponies not exceeding 12.2hh, while the second, over 700m, is for ponies not exceeding 14hh. That event will take place following Race 3 on the card at 1:30 pm.&nbsp;Moonee Valley Racing Club has enjoyed its association with TIC and Pony Club Australia, providing young riders with the opportunity to gain experience on a major racing stage. The Valley hosted a leg of the first National Pony Racing Series in 2023, and last year on 3 Point Motors William Reid Stakes Day held a Shetland Pony Race.With the next generation of riders set to take centre stage once again, The Valley looks forward to another thrilling chapter in this growing series.

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