The Victoria Racing Club (VRC) celebrates the opening Group 1 race meeting at Flemington for the season on Saturday 12 September, with Crown Makybe Diva Stakes Day marking the beginning of two months of elite racing, entertainment and experiences.
The highlight of the ten-race program is the Group 1 $750,000 Crown Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m), named in honour of three-time Melbourne Cup-winning champion Makybe Diva with some of the country’s best horses set to collide.
The great mare’s legacy will honoured on-course through a special on-course exhibition in the Hill Stand between The Terrace and The Atrium celebrating her incredible career titled Makybe Diva: Queen of the Cups.
For the first time, Makybe Diva’s ashes will go on public display, resting within a bronze sculpture. All three of her Melbourne Cup trophies will be brought together alongside memorabilia from a career that saw her become the only horse to win three Melbourne Cups, in 2003, 2004 and 2005, under jockey Glen Boss. Her owner Tony Santic will also be on-course and is a part-owner of Big Wigs, who lines up in Race 2, adding an extra sentimental touch.
Ten-time Group 1 winner Mr Brightside will look to make history as he aims for a record fourth consecutive win in the Group 1 Crown Makybe Diva Stakes. Very few Australian horses have won a Group 1 or major feature race four consecutive years, with Winx the last to achieve the feat when she won the Cox Plate for a fourth consecutive year in 2018.
Champion jockey Blake Shinn will take the ride on Mr Brightside, with regular rider Craig Williams electing to partner Sir Delius, who is first-up for the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott stable.
Mr Brightside will face serious competition from Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman’s star mare Sheza Alibi, who is the short-priced favourite and returns to Flemington for the first time since her Cup Week triumph last spring.
Chris Waller will saddle up four runners in the Crown Makybe Diva Stakes, Birdman, Autumn Boy, Ohope Wins and Buckaroo, as he looks to add to his record in the feature race. Waller has won the race once previously, with Foreteller claiming victory in 2013.
The race day also features an important stop on the Road to the Cup, with the Lexus Archer Stakes (2500m) offering a coveted golden ticket into the $10 million 2026 Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m).
The race features Danny O’Brien-trained Litzdeel, a half-sister to 2019 Lexus Melbourne Cup champion Vow and Declare, as she looks to secure her place on the first Tuesday in November.
The VRC will also honour the late Michael Moroney with Race 2 on the program, the Listed Michael Moroney (1400m), renamed in recognition of one of Australasia’s most respected trainers.
A highly regarded figure in Australian and New Zealand racing, Moroney enjoyed a career spanning more than four decades, highlighted by his 2000 Melbourne Cup victory with Brew. From his Flemington base, he went on to train numerous Group 1 winners, including Roch ‘N’ Horse and Tofane, leaving a lasting legacy at the home of the Melbourne Cup.
Racegoers can support Ronald McDonald House by purchasing a 2026 Lexus Melbourne Cup lapel pin on-course for the first time, with pin sellers roaming across the day. Horseshoe Pins will be available for $20 and Lexus Melbourne Cup Pins for $10. This year, a limited-edition Lexus Melbourne Cup horse pin featuring diamantes will also be available for $50, with only 2,000 pins produced and each worth five entries into the Pin & Win draw. Buy a pin for your chance to win a Lexus RX 450h+ valued at $116,700, as well as a share in more than $177,700 in prizes.
Away from the racing action, VRC Members can enjoy a host of experiences across Flemington, including the VRC Style Edit, where stunning millinery and stylish accessories will be on display. The Paper Lounge will return to The Atrium, while a DJ will take to The Roof Garden to finish the day with live music and a relaxed spring atmosphere.
There will be fun for the whole family at the Flemington Family Lawn, included with General Admission tickets. Families can enjoy pony rides, face painting and lawn games throughout the day.
VRC Chief Executive Officer Kylie Rogers said the opening Group 1 meeting of the spring would provide an exciting start to the season at Flemington.
“Crown Makybe Diva Stakes Day is always a significant day on the Flemington calendar, but this year carries an added sense of occasion as we celebrate the legacy of Makybe Diva following her passing,” Ms Rogers said.
“To have all three of her Melbourne Cup trophies together, alongside her memorabilia, will give racegoers a wonderful opportunity to reflect on an extraordinary champion who has such a special place in the history of Flemington and the Melbourne Cup.
“On the track, we have an outstanding field of horses with a mix of form lines coming together. Mr Brightside has the chance to achieve something very special with a fourth consecutive win in the Crown Makybe Diva Stakes.”
“We’re also proud to honour Michael Moroney, another much-loved and respected member of the Flemington community, with a race named in his memory.”
Gates open at 11:10am, ahead of Race 1 at 12:10pm. General Admission tickets are $30, with children under 17 admitted free.