Living Legends, an organisation dedicated to housing retired race horses, has received a $15,000 events grant in the recent Hume budget.
The stable is located on the historical thoroughbred property, The Woodlands Homestead. The site was involved in the first ever Melbourne Cup in 1861, and now houses eight past winners of the race, including Prince of Penzance made famous by Michelle Payne’s ride in 2015.
Living Legends chief executive Dr Andrew Clarke who describes himself as a “worn out old vet with some worn out old horses,” said the funding provided will help maximise the benefits of the area for all.
“Through the spring carnival, you get a lot international travellers so we want to get people coming here, enjoying the property,” he said
“We will be able to have some nice functions and some nice events, but there will be plenty happening here for the local community as well.”
Dr Clarke said the facility would not be able to serve its objective of maintaining the relationship between the community and the champion race horses if it wasn’t for the continued support of council.
“We also want to showcase what we have here in Hume,” Dr Clarke said.
“[Hume] is a fantastic tourism destination.
“It makes it such a great place to live, work, visit or play.”
The organisation has embraced its connection with the area after being named as last year’s winners of the visitor economy, in tourism, and then awarded the title of Hume business of the year.
Harper Sercombe
