In the lead up to the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday, November 1, many may wonder what happens to these champion horses once they retire from racing.
Nestled on Woodlands Drive in Greenvale is Living Legends, a place chief executive and veterinarian, Dr Andrew Clarke calls a retirement property for champion horses.
“I think we’ve got more Melbourne Cup winners per acre than any other property anywhere,” Dr Clarke said.
The property itself features 170 acres of grassland, over 30 champion horses and a newly heritage listed homestead.
Also featured is a memorial garden for Melbourne Cup winning horses that have died, with Might and Power, Rogan Josh and Doriemus all buried within the property.
Champion horse Brew, who was ridden by Kerrin McEvoy and won the cup in 2000, is still at the property, drawing in quite the crowd over the years.
Dr Clarke has worked with horses all his life and said the facility promotes a life after racing and provides experience for the next generation of vets.
“Our best work is done here at the farm in our learning with legends program,” Dr Clarke said.
“We have school programs, university students studying agriculture, vet science and equine studies, they can take part in placements here as part of their degrees.”
Holly McGuinness
