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Sad Passing of Makybe Diva's Dam

Tara Madgwick - Friday October 24
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.

Tugela, dam of a championIt 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.

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