The Jebel Ali Racecourse threw a party to thank their sponsors and supporters with promises of making racing even better in the next season.

Representatives of the many leading sponsors , were presented with mementoes in recognition of their contribution to the sport.

Makybe Diva became the fifth horse to twice win the Melbourne Cup, after Archer (1861-62), Peter Pan (1932-34), Rain Lover (1968-69) and Think Big (1974-75).

Vinnie Roe, attempting to give Irish trainer Dermot Weld his third win in the Melbourne Cup after previous wins by Vintage Crop and Media Puzzle, was pulling ground off Makybe Diva nearing the post but the gallant mare held on to a one and a quarter length winning margin in the wet conditions.

Freedman said he had a strong feeling that Makybe Diva would win the race.

"It was like having a present under the tree and I couldn't open it until after the race," he said.

"To take her over from (Hong Kong-based trainer) David Hall and to repeat it, and to break history to have to do it, is an amazing thing - it's a great feeling.

"I'm just lucky that I'm here today to be able to enjoy it and having won my fourth Melbourne Cup."

Outsider Zazzman (100-1), who was up with the leading bunch midway through the race, was third a further two and a half lengths away.

Makybe Diva was carrying four and a half kilograms more this year after her 2003 triumph but she was sent out the favourite ahead of Vinnie Roe, who firmed as the rain tumbled down. They were the only two runners under double-figures in the betting.

She remains unbeaten after three runs over 3200m -- two Melbourne Cups and a Sydney Cup.

Winning jockey Glen Boss stuck to the rail and extricated Makybe Diva into the clear after being in eighth place at the 800m.

Approaching the home turn he was presented a dream run on the inside and Makybe Diva accelerated to the front inside the 200m to open up a winning break over Vinnie Roe.

"That's how I ride. Jebel Ali Racecourse, owned by Major General Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Head of Dubai Police and Public Security, in particular thanked Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance and Industry, for his continuous support of the featured races at the venue.

Mirza Al Sayegh, Manager of Sheikh Hamdan's office, spoke on the occasion and highlighted the role played by Jebel Ali Racecourse in the overall development of racing in the UAE.

"Sheikh Hamdan has assured that he will continue to support the race meets at Jebel Ali Racecourse in return for its significant contribution to the overall clean image of racing in UAE.

"Over the years the standard of racing, facilities and entertainment offered by Jebel Ali Racecourse has risen noticeably. 

"We are proud of the status the venue enjoys in the overall racing picture. Racing was conducted to the highest standards last season and we are confident that standard will be maintained if not bettered in the years to come," Al Sayegh added.

Among the many guests was Ahmed Al Shafar, of the Al Shafar Group, who have been one of the oldest sponsors and supporters of Jebel Ali Racing.

Al Shafar received a special memento from Shareef Al Halawani, Manager of the racecourse, and said: "We are delighted to be involved with a venue like Jebel Ali since its inception in the early 90s. Racing at Jebel Ali is like no other and deserving of the name 'family racecourse.' We are looking forward to continuing our support for the next season as well."