"She was family": Owner pays tribute to Makybe Diva

Legendary mare Makybe Diva has passed away at the age of 27.

She won seven Group 1s across her career, but was most known for winning three Melbourne Cup's in a row between 2003 and 2005.

Unfortunately, she had suffered a battle with colic which was confirmed by owner Tony Santic which resulted in her passing.

She was the only horse in history to have won three Melbourne Cup's in a row.

This would result in the icon of Australian horse racing to be nominated into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame in 2006.

Speaking to Channel 7's Xander McGuire, Santic said that Maykbe Diva was never just a race horse but apart of his family.

"From the days she came into our lives, she was never just a race horse. She was family," he said.

"She gave us moments Australia will never forget. But more than that, she gave us joy every single day.

"She was loved from the beginning, she stayed loved for her whole life."

Throughout her career, she won various Group 1s which included the likes of the Cox Plate (2005) which saw her earn up to $14 million (AUD) in earnings across her career.

Vale Makybe Diva.