KIDS Foundation celebrates Horses’ Birthday at Flemington
Featuring special guest Makybe Diva
Flemington Racecourse will play host to a special Horses' Birthday celebration tomorrow featuring Makybe Diva, who will be announced as the newest equine ambassador for KIDS Foundation.
The event kicks off at 10:00am and will see three-time Melbourne Cup winner Makybe Diva, who turns 26 years old on what is the official birthday of all horses in the southern hemisphere, presented with a special cake by some of the children from KIDS Foundation.
Makybe Diva made history at Flemington Racecourse two decades ago when she became the first horse to win the Melbourne Cup three times from 2003-2006. Her role with KIDS Foundation will see her feature in a series of animated children’s books based around themes of kindness and empathy, while a group of trauma and injury survivors will visit her at Makybe Stud each year as part of the KIDS Foundation Victorian recovery camp.
Thursday’s event also serves as the launch for Tour d’Horse 2025, and media are invited to hear from speakers including KIDS Foundation Founder and CEO Dr Susie O’Neill OAM, KIDS Foundation supporter Antony White OAM, KIDS Ambassador and burns survivor Matt Thiele and Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Steven King, who was one of only five jockeys to win on Makybe Diva throughout her illustrious career, including the Turnbull Stakes at Flemington.
VISION/PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES:
- Makybe Diva parading in the Flemington Mounting Yard.
- Steven King reuniting with Makybe Diva and celebrating the horses’ birthday.
- KIDS Foundation ambassadors and trauma survivors presenting Makybe Diva with a large cake made from horse treats.
TALENT:
- KIDS Foundation Founder and CEO Dr Susie O’Neill OAM,
- KIDS Foundation supporter Antony White OAM
- KIDS Ambassador Matt Thiele
- Melbourne Cup winning jockey Steven King.
WHERE: Flemington Racecourse Mounting Yard and Winner’s Bar
Please enter Flemington Racecourse via 448 Epsom Road and follow the [blue] line to the Betting Ring.
TIME: 9:45am for 10:00am start, Thursday 1 August
PARKING: Please park in The Betting Ring and enter via Members Lawn
Please confirm your attendance by contacting:
VRC Corporate Communications Manager Kelly Price | [email protected] | 0430 044 742
ABOUT KIDS FOUNDATION:
KIDS Foundation was established 30 years ago to make a difference in child wellbeing, safety and injury recovery. The KIDS team works with children to help them overcome horrific injuries and trauma caused through burns, accidents, violent crime and abuse, supporting them to recover and build a strong life through education and empowerment, recovery camps and programs. All 2024 programs have an equine focus, with many incorporating retired racehorses.
ABOUT TOUR D’HORSE:
The inaugural edition of Tour d’Horse was successfully conducted by KIDS Foundation in January 2024, and saw riders and horses walk 200km to raise more than half a million dollars. The VRC was the first organisation to sign up for 2024 and participated alongside 16 other teams participated including Godolphin, Michael Freedman, Anthony & Sam Freedman, Michelle Payne Racing, Magic Millions, MRC Foundation, Emirates Park, Petstock and Greg Eurell.
The funds raised by Tour d’Horse 2024 have positioned KIDS Foundation to reach 200,000 children via recovery camps, early intervention programs and resources for underprivileged families and communities. Tour d’Horse will be back in 2025 with sights set on raising even more funds to support this incredible work.
END of Release
Key Facts:
Photo Opportunity: Yes.
Interview Opportunity: Yes.
Contact details:
Scott Reinemann
0416 050 212
[email protected]