Farewell to Tugela

THE dam of Makybe Diva, Tugela, died unexpectedly last Friday having produced a filly foal by All Too Hard. A Riverman dam of 11 foals, she was bought in-foal for 60,000gns carrying the 2005 Cox Plate winner and triple Emirates Melbourne Cup victor Makybe Diva, her first foal. “The day was always going to come but I didn’t expect this, I’m devastated,” said owner Tony Santic.

Melbourne Cup acceptances

SECOND acceptances for the $6 million Emirates Melbourne Cup were taken on Monday with 40 horses remaining in the quest to fill the 24 barriers. Internationally trained runners number 12 as do the number of Irish-bred entrants still in the race.

Third and final acceptances will be taken Saturday afternoon until 4.30pm local time at a cost of A$49,500. The barrier draw will be conducted at Flemington after the final race on Victoria Derby day.

Murphy on Cup standby

IRISH jockey Oisin Murphy, who left a strong impression in Melbourne when he rode here at the start of the year, is on standby for an Emirates Melbourne Cup ride should Lets Make Adeal win today’s Lexus Stakes and make the final field for Tuesday.

“Oisin won his first listed race for us on Outback Joe in the Bagot Handicap, I love his style and the way he rides. He has gone from strength to strength in England this year so we’re delighted he has agreed to come out,” said trainer Nigel Blackiston who booked Murphy on behalf of owner Dennis Marks.