Diva divine in Melbourne Cup hat-trick

MAKYBE DIVA carved her name into the annals of Australian racing history by claiming a remarkable third consecutive Emirates Melbourne Cup at Flemington yesterday.

In a race where the British and Irish raiders disappointed, Lee Freedman’s brilliant mare swept to a decisive victory to become the first horse to win the two-mile feature for a third time.

The seven-year-old was always travelling well towards the rear before gradually edging closer to the pace on the home bend.