Makin enjoyed high profile success in Australia and Europe with Starcraft, who joined the European stable of Luca Cumani to win Group I races in the UK and France before returning to retire to Arrowfield Stud.
In Europe he played a starring role in one of the most notable bloodstock events of recent times when he offered his entire portfolio of racing and breeding stock under the banner of the Paulyn Dispersal at the Goffs November Sale in 2013.
His Irish Oaks queen Chicquita was sold for €6 million in favour of Peter and Ross Doyle. The Classic-winning daughter of Montjeu remains the most expensive racehorse sold at public auction in Ireland.