Makybe Diva makes Melbourne Cup history

Glen Boss on Makybe Diva celebrates winning the 2005 Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse. Sean Garnsworthy / Getty Images

MELBOURNE - Makybe Diva raced her way into Australian folklore with an unprecedented third Melbourne Cup win at Flemington today.

"This is Phar Lap the second," an overwhelmed jockey Glen Boss said, referring to a past legend of Australasian racing. Phar Lap won the 1930 Melbourne Cup.

"This is a moment I'll take to my grave. I'm struggling for words -- she's unbelievable.

"From the mile (1600m) I knew it was all over. I got to the front way too soon but I knew nothing was going to come from behind her."

In a great riding display, Boss eased Makybe Diva over to one off the fence from her 14 barrier going out of the straight the first time.

He made his move on her approaching the home turn and the champion mare showed her trademark acceleration to quickly reel in the leaders.

Makybe Diva was feeling the pinch of her 58kg nearing the line but had too much in hand for runner-up On A Jeune, an outsider, and third was the New Zealand-trained Xcellent.

- AAP