Mr Brightside has etched his name into Flemington folklore, becoming the first male galloper to win three consecutive Makybe Diva Stakes.

The Lindsay Park star led all the way under Craig Williams to claim his tenth Group 1, defeating Aeliana ($5) by 1-½ lengths, with favourite Via Sistina ($1.80) another neck away in third.

His achievement sees him join champion mares Makybe Diva, Black Caviar, Tranquil Star and Wakeful as three-time winners of the same Group 1 race.

“It was a 10-out-of-10 ride,” trainer Ben Hayes said.
“Tactically he got an easy time early and because he got an easy time, they couldn’t catch him, a champion like him.”

Mr Brightside, who joined the Hayes brothers’ stable in 2021, has now amassed 11 top-level victories including the All-Star Mile, along with 12 Group 1 placings.

Although still among Cox Plate nominations, Hayes suggested the gelding would likely stick to the mile, with the Feehan Stakes or King Charles III Stakes among his next options.