Remembering Divine Madonna

The win of Goldolphin 2YO Maternal during the week prompted fond memories of her dam, the Mark Kavanagh trained Divine Madonna. The mare with the paralysing finishing burst claimed four Group One titles in a stellar career that netted over $2 million in prizes.

She was sold at auction for $2.7 million at the conclusion of her racing career and found a new home at Darley Stud where she began her new life as a broodmare.

Mark Kavanagh purchased Divine Madonna from the Adelaide Magic Millions yearling sale in 2004 for $82,500. She was among the first of many successful purchases he made from Mill Park Stud, a farm that enjoys an enviable reputation as Group One producers.

Divine Madonna herself was a daughter of the Blue Diamond winner Hurricane Sky who extended his prowess to the 1600 metres of the AJC All Aged Stakes and 1800 metres of the Caulfield Autumn Classic.

It was at the mile where Divine Madonna was at her best unfurling her trademark withering finish to win the VRC Emirates Stakes, MRC Toorak Handicap, VRC Myer Classic and STC Queen of the Turf Stakes to be considered one of the best milers of her generation.

Maternal is the fourth foal and third winner produced by Divine Madonna and while her progeny are yet to match her feats on the racetrack perhaps Maternal, by Mark Kavanagh's favourite sire Street Cry, could develop into a filly of the future.