On a crisp Saturday afternoon at Flemington, racing fans were treated to another piece of turf history as Mr Brightside etched his name into the record books by becoming the first horse to win the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes three years in a row. The $750,000 feature over 1600 metres has produced champions before, but few have left the kind of mark that Mr Brightside continues to stamp on Australian racing.
The seven-year-old gelding, by Bullbars, delivered a commanding all-the-way performance, holding off some of the country’s and New Zealand’s finest gallopers in front of a roaring Flemington crowd. His victory was not just another addition to an already glittering résumé, but a reaffirmation of his status as one of Australia’s most dependable Group One performers.
A decorated career continues
Mr Brightside’s latest success brings his tally to 10 Group One wins across an outstanding career that now spans 46 starts, boasting 20 victories, 15 placings, and an extraordinary $17.97 million in prize money. His rise has been one of grit, consistency, and resilience, making him one of the most popular gallopers in training.
Back in 2023, he broke through in the Makybe Diva Stakes when he surged past Alligator Blood by a length and a half. A year later, he defended his crown, staving off the challenges of Pride Of Jenni and Antino. Now, with a third straight triumph, Mr Brightside’s name sits firmly alongside the legends of Flemington.
Yet, just months earlier, some were beginning to question whether the gelding’s glory days were fading. After closing his seven-year-old season with a rare flop in Hong Kong in April, and then being comprehensively beaten into second place by emerging star Treasurethe Moment in the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) in August, there were whispers that the champion may have lost a step.
Those doubts were silenced emphatically. Sent out at $5.30 as the third favourite in a small but star-studded six-horse field, Mr Brightside showed once again that underestimating him is a mistake. Heavy punters had flocked to Chris Waller’s pair, Via Sistina ($1.70) and Aeliana ($3.90), but as the field stretched out around the Flemington turn, Craig Williams and his mount were in control.
Williams delivers another masterclass
Regular partner Craig Williams executed a flawless ride, taking Mr Brightside straight to the lead and dictating terms. From there, it was always going to be a matter of whether his rivals could run him down. They couldn’t.
Mr Brightside surged at the top of the Flemington straight, kicking clear with his trademark turn of foot. Though Aeliana, Via Sistina, and Antino fought bravely, the gallant gelding never faltered. He held them off comfortably to score by a length and a half. Aeliana filled second, Via Sistina crossed in third, and Antino was close behind.
After the race, Williams reflected on what the victory meant to him personally and to the racing community.
“I’m very privileged to be a part of this horse, a part of his development which gives me great pride,” Williams said.
“This horse, he just carries so many racing fans and people. If you love the song, you’ve got him as well. He’s just really captivated people around Australia. He’s the best miler in Australia on his day, and still one of the best even when he’s not. He’s just a marvel – three Makybe Divas.
“When I walked up with my wife today, I said, ‘We’ve got a statue of Makybe Diva now. Hopefully he’ll win this race three times and they’ll give him his own bronze statue as well.’
“I think, after my experience and what we do in Ukraine, it just makes me more grateful to be able to partner up with a horse like him, put on a show and have people come out and support our amazing industry.
“This is what I dreamed of as a kid and wrote stories about at school. This is what every rider in the jockeys’ room works hard for and continues to work hard for – to win Group Ones, and especially these feature races like the Makybe Diva Stakes.”
Williams’ emotion resonated with the fans on course, many of whom have followed Mr Brightside’s journey closely since his early days. The horse’s popularity extends beyond the racing community, partly fueled by the association with the iconic song from which he takes his name.
A Hayes family treasure
For the Lindsay Park training team of Ben, Will, and JD Hayes, Mr Brightside is more than just another racehorse—he is the horse of a lifetime.
“For JD and Will and I, he’s the most special horse we’ve ever had,” Ben Hayes admitted. “We’re just the front men. He means a lot to everyone and the whole team.
“He’s a 10-time Group One winner and he’s placed in 12 of them as well and won multiple Group Twos. He’s an absolute champion – no one can deny that now. Maybe people will start respecting him and tipping him!
“It turned out beautifully today. It was a 10-out-of-10 ride. Tactically he got an easy time early and because he got an easy time, they couldn’t catch him, a champion like him. He’s an amazing horse and we’re so lucky to have him.
“We thought he had gone the right way since the Memsie. He paraded beautifully, it was typical Mr B. His coat has come on, but the good thing is, he’s got improvement to come and we’re going to have fun placing him at his next couple of starts. I’m so proud of him and for him to come back and win, to show how good he is, makes us so proud.”
Their pride is evident not only in their words but in the way they have carefully managed his career. Mr Brightside has consistently risen to the challenge, delivering when it matters most. His toughness, coupled with Williams’ tactical brilliance, has ensured that his legacy is not just defined by numbers but by moments of sheer racing theatre.
What comes next?
With his coat improving and more races ahead this spring, fans are eager to see where the Hayes team will place their champion next. Options abound, from the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley to other Group One mile contests. Wherever he heads, one thing is certain: Mr Brightside will not be written off again.
His third straight Makybe Diva Stakes is more than just a victory; it is a reminder of why racing inspires so many. A horse that has faced challenges, doubters, and setbacks has once again risen above them all, leaving punters and fans alike in awe.
