A full sister to Makybe Diva has arrived at Coolmore Stud.  The Desert King – Tugela filly weighed in at 50kg.

It was the first time Tugela had visited Desert King since 1998.  That was the mating which produced the Melbourne Cup legend who won 15 races and over $14.50 million in stakes.

Desert King is an Irish bred son of Danehill and stands at Bombora Downs by arrangement with Lynden Park owner Julie Nairn.  He is also the sire of iron-horse Desert War who won 12 races and more than $3.04 million in prizemoney.

“We always intended returning Tugela to Desert King and, given they were both in Victoria last year, it was perfect timing,” Makybe owner Tony Santic said.  “It’s something we’ve really been looking forward to and we will retain the filly.”

Tugela (Riverman) has been an outstanding producer of black type performers which also includes Valkyrie Diva (Jade Robbery), Musket (Redoute’s Choice) and Shadowofexcellence (Redoute’s Choice).

Peter Moody bought her Street Cry colt for $1.20 million at the 2012 Inglis Easter yearling sale.  She will be bred back to the Darley champion this year.

Makybe sold half of its 3200 acre Barwon River property to Rosemont Stud owner Anthony Mithen in May.  Resident stallion Purrealist was transferred to Chatswood Stud and USA shuttler Street Hero did not travel for a southern book this year.

MAKYBE DIVA