There were reflections, rounds of applause and plenty of carrots for harness racing hero Just Believe as he was officially welcomed into Living Legends on Thursday.
One of the sport’s most treasured names has joined fellow standardbred Sundons Gift and around 40 thoroughbred stars at the stunning retirement facility in Greenvale.
More than 50 people were there for Just Believe’s welcome including Living Legends chief Dr Andrew Clarke and Harness Racing Victoria chief executive Matt Isaacs.
Just Believe was retired in early 2025 after a wonderful career that included 38 wins and 23 placings.
Originally trained by Michael Hughes, it was Just Believe’s move to the Jess Tubbs stable in mid-2022 that ultimately saw him reach stardom. In 42 starts for Tubbs, he would win 30 of them.
He won 10 Group 1 races, highlighted by two Inter Dominion grand finals, a Great Southern Star, and the National Trot, Rowe Cup and Dominion Trot across the Tasman. He also claimed the inaugural TAB Trot slot race at Cambridge, which proved the most lucrative success of his career.
The late Greg Sugars partnered his great mate to 29 wins as a driver.
“The journey that Harry took us on truly changed our lives,” Tubbs said. “He took us to places and introduced us to people we never would have otherwise encountered.
“Winning races like the Inter Dominion, the Great Southern Star, the Rowe Cup and the NZ Dominion meant the world to Greg and I, and I’ll be forever grateful to Harry for enabling Greg to reach that top-level success that he so richly deserved. The bond those two shared was incredible.
“I hope he enjoys his new home and lives a long and happy future full of carrots.”
Just Believe’s place at Living Legends is thanks to a financial contribution from his breeder-owner Pat Driscoll of Yabby Dam Farms and through a partnership between Harness Racing Victoria and Living Legends.
