Makybe owners Tony and Deslee Santic have confirmed Tugela, the dam of Melbourne Cup legend Makybe Diva, will be covered by Desert King this year.

“We have always intended returning Tugela to Desert King and, given they are both currently in Victoria, it’s the perfect time,” Tony Santic said.  “A full brother or sister to the Diva running around will be exciting and something to look forward to.”

Tugela is the dam of four individual stakes performers.  They have a combined for 13 wins at Group and Listed level for more than $15 million in prizemoney.

Besides Makybe Diva (Desert King), they are Musket (Redoute’s Choice), Valkyrie Diva (Jade Robbery) and Shadowofexcellence (Redoute’s Choice).

The Santics will send Makybe Diva to their homebred champion Starspangledbanner this year.  She foaled a Lonhro colt last month.