Mr Brightside and jockey Craig Williams have partnered up for a thrilling performance to go back-to-back in the $750,000 Group 1 Crown Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) chasing down Pride Of Jenni in front of 9,416 racegoers.
The win gave Mr Brightside his seventh career Group 1 win, equaling three-time Lexus Melbourne Cup champion Makybe Diva’s Group 1 tally, with the champion mare on-course to witness the contest.
Trained by Lindsay Park’s Ben, JD and Will Hayes, Mr Brightside defied the history books and became the first horse since Sailor’s Guide in 1957 to go back-to-back in the race.
Makybe Diva was another star attraction on the day as she posed with racegoers and led the field out before the running of the race named in her honour.
The race day provided a preview to this year’s Melbourne Cup Carnival with Point King securing his spot in this year’s $8.56 million Group 1 Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m) for Anthony and Sam Freedman after winning the Group 3 Lexus Archer Stakes (2500m) with jockey Jamie Kah in the saddle.
The Ciaron Maher-trained Growing Empire was an impressive winner in the Listed Winning Edge Presentations Poseidon Stakes (1100m) with the classy son of Zoustar the current favourite for the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m), run on the open day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
The undercard also featured the $300,000 Group 2 Furphy Let’s Elope Stakes (1400m) which was won by Grinzinger Belle and the $300,000 Group 2 HKJC World Pool Bobbie Lewis Quality (1200m) won by Arkansaw Kid.
VRC Chief Executive Officer Kylie Rogers said it was a fantastic way to start the spring at Flemington.
“This year’s Crown Makybe Diva Stakes promised to be a sensational race, and it delivered with Australia’s headline horses Mr Brightside and Pride of Jenni battling out the final stages of the race,” Ms Rogers said.
“Congratulations to the large ownership group behind Mr Brightside on a second Crown Makybe Diva Stakes.
“It was wonderful to see so many racegoers, young and old braving the elements to get up close and personal with Makybe Diva. We pass on our thanks to Tony Santic and the entire team at Makybe Stud for sharing their champion with the public.”
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.