Tributes for Paul Makin after Starcraft's popular owner dies aged 82

Paul Makin, who owned globetrotting multiple Group 1 winner Starcraft, has died at the age of 82.

The Australian, who made his fortune through betting, also owned the talented but quirky Irish Oaks heroine Chicquita and was a successful breeder.

He was best known for his association with Starcraft, who was bought as a yearling in New Zealand for just NZ$80,000 (£42,000) but proved to be a star. He won Group 1s in New Zealand and Australia for Garry Newham before showcasing his talent in Europe when transferred to Luca Cumani in 2005.

Starcraft wins the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes in 2005Credit: Edward Whitaker

He won twice at the highest level in Europe in 2005, landing the Prix du Moulin before beating Dubawi in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.

Makin also had several horses in training with Peter Chapple-Hyam, including Just Brilliant and You Little Ripper, and the Derby-winning trainer paid tribute on Sunday.

Chapple-Hyam said: "We got on really well and he used to start every conversation with, 'Hello you Pommy'. I'm very sad as I really liked him and he was very good to me.

"He was brilliant to train for and we had a real laugh. It's very sad. He was a man's man, a typical Aussie, and we got on so well."

As well as winning the Irish Oaks, Chicquita is remembered for fetching a record €6 million when sold in 2013 and veering through a hedge when she was set to win at Saint-Cloud.

She was trained by Alain de Royer-Dupre, who said: "I have some wonderful memories of Chicquita, who I trained for him.

"Paul was extremely intelligent and, even if I might say he was one of the most complicated men I have trained for, I still have a wonderful letter he sent me."

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