'Brilliant to the end': Tributes flow in for three-time Melbourne Cup winning horse Makybe Diva, dead at 26

The legendary Makybe Diva has passed away on Saturday, aged 26.

She was best known for winning three consecutive Melbourne Cups between 2003 and 2005. She also won the 2005 Cox Plate.

Owner Tony Santic has confirmed she died after a brief battle with colic.

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Born in the United Kingdom, Makybe Diva amassed $14m in prize money across her career.

Santic provided a statement on her death.

"From the day she came into our lives, she was never just a race horse, she was family. She gave us moments Australia will never forget, but more than that she gave us joy every single day. She was loved from the beginning, she stayed loved for her whole life," the statement read.

Australian jockey Glen Boss, who rode Makybe Diva in all three Melbourne Cup victories, paid tribute to the champion horse.

"We just learned the news that my amazing partner in crime Makybe Diva has passed," he posted on social media.

"She was brilliant right to the end. What can we say. She left an incredible footprint in Australian sport, not just in racing, she went far beyond that.

"She was the gift that kept giving. I don't think we'll ever see this happen again in our sport. To do what she did (winning three straight Melbourne Cups).

"She was an absolute champion. So, today is a celebration of her legacy.

"What she's done for me personally, I cannot thank her enough. I was privileged to see her only a few months ago and she was gorgeous. Her eyes were clear, her skin was amazing, her feet were well, but I had a sense that at 26 it have been the last time I'd see her, but what a moment we had.

"For me, so many great memories. It's a say day, but what a gift that she was."

Boss poured a beer into one of his Melbourne Cups, and raised a toast to the Diva.

"Thank you for the memories."

Australian horse racing expert Gareth Hall posted on social media: "Makybe Diva was a champion that did the impossible. Three Melbourne Cups is something we most likely won't see again. Cox Plate along the way. Legend."

Victorian Racing Club Chairman Neil Wilson extended his condolences.

"Makybe Diva was more than a champion – she truly transcended the sport of racing. Her three consecutive Melbourne Cup victories stand among the most iconic achievements in Australian sporting history, and the memories she created will never be forgotten," he said.

"Our heartfelt condolences go out to her connections, and to the broader racing community who will feel the significance of this loss."

Makybe Diva was named Australian Champion Racehorse of the Year in back-to-back years, 2004-2005 and 2005-2006.

She was living in retirement in Gnarwarre, near Geelong in regional Victoria at the time of her death.