Latest News
Boutique Victorian breeding operation Makybe has achieved fame and fortune through the deeds of champion mare and triple Melbourne Cup Makybe Diva, but it is the performance of a champion sprinter that is writing the latest chapter in their growing success.
A scintillating victory at Royal Ascot on Saturday night by Choisir colt Starspanglendbanner (pictured courtesy Aushorse) in the Group One Golden Jubilee Stakes was cheered by many Australians and more than a few Irish, with Tony and Deslee Santic amongst those to break out the champagne.
"Tony and I have watched the replay 100 times!!! We are so excited and proud to be experiencing such success from a horse that we have bred," said Deslee Santic.
"It was fantastic to see him come through and win like he did for the Coolmore team and Aidan O'Brien has done a magnificent job to ensure the horse has continued his success....not to mention break the track record!"
Sold by Makybe at the 2008 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale for $120,000, Starspangledbanner is the third foal of stakes-placed Gold Anthem, who was bought by renowned bloodstock agent John Foote for $40,000 at the 2001 Magic Millions Yearling Sale in Adelaide on behalf of Tony Santic.
By Made of Gold (USA) from the Vain mare National Song, a half-sister to AJC Oaks winner Circles of Gold, Gold Anthem won two races as a juvenile and was second in the Listed SAJC Balcrest Stakes before heading off to stud.
In the years since Gold Anthem was purchased, her female family has hit the heights with multiple Group One winners Elvstroem and Haradasun jumping into the pedigree along with Golden Slipper winner Polar Success.
Currently in foal to Redoute's Choice, having produced a weanling colt by Purrealist last spring, Gold Anthem (pictured below) is a mare any farm would be delighted to own.
"We'll decide where we send her this year in the next few days, but it's between Redoute's Choice and Fastnet Rock, probably with a leaning towards going back to Coolmore," revealed Deslee Santic.
"The Purrealist weanling (pictured back in May), like all MAKYBE Bloodstock will be offered for sale.
"Our policy is to set realistic reserves and if they do not meet that reserve, we are more than happy to race them under the MAKYBE banner and with a strike rate of 72% winners to runners off the farm, we figure the odds are in our favour."
The first crop of youngsters by Makybe foundation sire Purrealist will be offered at yearling sales next year and given the quality of his foals there is keen anticipation surrounding their debut.
"The feedback on Purrealist progeny is outstanding, glowing reports have come from many good judges who include Gai Waterhouse, Danny O'Brien, Peter Heagney, David Chester and co breeders Yallambee Stud and Turranga Farm," said Deslee Santic.
"He certainly has stamped his stock and we eagerly await their racing debuts which we feel certain will be as 2YO's."
Makybe offered a half-sister (pictured left) by Rock of Gibraltar (IRE) to Starspangledbanner at the 2010 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale this year which passed in shy of her $400,000 reserve.
"The Rock Of Gibraltar filly we are racing ourselves and will be going to the team that made Starspangledbanner...Team Corstens," said Deslee Santic.
"Leon is a great horseman and his son Troy provides fantastic communication which all makes the experience more enjoyable."
The future stud career of Starspangledbanner is also something that will be watched closely by Makybe, who have secured four nominations to the Royal Ascot hero and will be sending some of their very best mares.
Stay tuned for more developments in the Starspangled saga!
By Tara Madgwick (Breednet)