The
unexpected death of Makybe Diva's mother, Tugela (USA) this morning has saddened the thoroughbred racing and breeding industry on the eve of the Cox Plate, which was won by The Diva in 2005.
It is with much sadness that Tony and Deslee Santic announce this morning the
passing of multiple Group I producing mare Tugela.
Born in 1995, Tugela was dam of eleven foals and will be fondly remembered for
producing Makybe Diva (GB), the legendary Australian mare and three time Melbourne
Cup winner.
Tugela's latest foal, a chestnut filly by All Too Hard will be retained to race
by the Santic's along with her two year-old by Desert King, a full sister to
Makybe Diva.
By Riverman and out of Rambushka, Tugela was a well-respected broodmare having
produced several Group performers during her career.
Included on her honour role is Valkyrie Diva, a broodmare herself, Group II winning
sire Musket who topped the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale in 2005
selling for $2.5m and current stakes winning mare La Amistad.
"The day was always going to come, but I didn't expect this, I'm devastated," said
Tony Santic when he heard of the news this morning.
"We regarded her as the matriarch, it's a very sad day for the MAKYBE team."
Tugela will be buried on the Santic's property MAKYBE in Geelong.