Living Legends - Equine Heroes Still Touching Hearts

by Alana Bilston - featured in the Autumn 2014 Edition of the Horse Downunder Magazine

Might and Power in the Melbourne Cup Parade (photos by: Alana Bilston & Andrew Clarke)

Doriemus in the Melbourne Cup Parade

Rogan Josh

Paris Lane

Dr Andrew Clarke with Better Loosen Up

View into the horses' paddocks from the front gate

Handler Kristy Brown with Might and Power

Rogan Josh having a lie down while Apache Cat grazes

The red river gums along the driveway are over 300 years old

The historic homestead

As flight QF475 departs from Melbourne Airport, the majority of the passengers would be unaware that they are flying over greatness.  A quick look out their window and they would gaze down upon the beautiful property known as Woodlands Historic Park. Seven years ago a retirement village was set up on this magnificent property. The occupants are distinguished gentlemen. When they’re not socializing, they can be seen napping in the warm afternoon sun. At times grumpy, they can kick and bite each other too. They know precisely when their meals will be arriving and are quick to show disdain if they are late!

Living Legends, the International Home of Rest for Champion Horses Inc, is a retirement village for horse racing royalty. Quite literally ‘over the back fence’ from Melbourne Airport, C.E.O Dr. Andrew Clarke said that it is six minutes door to door.  The location on Oaklands Road, Greenvale seems fitting for these champion thoroughbreds, many of who not only found fame in Australia, but also left their imprint on racetracks around the world.  What makes this place even more special? It is open to the public to visit!

The idea was conceived by the owners of champion middle distance racehorse Fields Of Omagh (“Foo”).  Nearing retirement, the owners were concerned where Foo was going to live, as no one owned any land. “I went around the world. I visited the Kentucky Horse Farm and I went to the Home Of Rest for Horses in England,” said Martin O’Connor, (breeder and co-owner of Foo, and Chairman of the Board), “I came back with the idea for this place. Not just for Foo, but for all those past champions just standing out in a paddock somewhere, that nobody got to see. That’s how we started it.”

A qualified veterinarian, Andrew has been a part of the organization from its inception. Completing his PhD in England, the knowledge and experience he gained, funded by the Home of Rest For Horses, has been invaluable in both setting up and operating Living Legends. “I’m the C.E.O, Vet Director, one of the dishwashers. We’re a small crew, everyone’s got to get in and help out where they can.” Living Legends is a not-for-profit organization and it operates on the generosity of donations.

To be granted a paddock in this prestigious village the horses have to meet certain criteria, “The retired geldings have to have won at least two Group One races,” said Andrew, “And come with a substantial cheque.” Current residents include Might and Power, Doriemus, Better Loosen Up (“Blu”), Rogan Josh (“Joshie”), Brew, Efficient, Zipping and of course the instigator, Foo.  Winning the Cox Plate on Saturday 28th October 2006, Foo was at the grand opening the following Monday. “We had decided win, lose or draw, that would be his last start,” said Martin, “And of course he won in sensational fashion. We decided to still retire him. Retire him at the top of his game.”

Australians love their athletes. Olympic heroes, football greats, they are all revered by their fans long after they have retired. The same applies to these equine marvels. Life after racing for a gelding can be quite uncertain. Eunuchs of the equine world, they can’t go on to breed the next generation of winners. Living Legends has allowed these horses to continue promoting the racing industry, educate people regarding aged care for horses and provide enjoyment and delight for adoring fans.  Andrew commented, “We get a lot of visitors coming here expecting to see Makybe Diva and asking when Black Caviar is coming.”  Only geldings reside here though.

For Andrew, witnessing the interaction between human and horse is heartwarming.  The Legends go on tour visiting schools, nursing homes and hospitals.  “A lot of people have never patted a horse before. It’s a big mountain to climb. Facing a horse for the first time is daunting. To be patting a Melbourne Cup winner, it just gives it a bit of extra oomph,” said Andrew. The reaction of the elderly is up lifting, “They love having the smell of horses on their hands again. Especially the little old ladies; it reminds them of growing up and riding to school.”

Martin commented that in contrast to the racetrack where the public can’t get near the horses, at Living Legends they are very accessible. As visitors wander around the horses often stick their head over the fence for a pat.  During the twice-daily tours the handlers will catch them and bring them over for a closer meet and greet. “The nice thing is, it gives people the opportunity to come and revisit their champion,” said Andrew, “People re-live the victories.”  He remembered meeting ‘an old bloke’ who was patting Blu. He excitedly listed all the races Blu had won and the odds that he had backed him at. “I’m thinking, this wasn’t last week, or last year, it was 15 years ago!” exclaimed Andrew.

The anecdotes are cherished and personal. “It is really touching the stories people bring,” said Andrew and he recalled meeting a lady who had come to see Saintly when he visited the farm briefly.  Noticing this lady had been there a while Andrew went down to the paddock gate and said hello. She commented on what a great horse Saintly was and began to share her story with him.  She had lost a child and the anniversary of the death was Melbourne Cup Day, the day that Saintly won. “The family backed Saintly because he was the horse from heaven. Looking into this mother’s eyes, I could see that this horse was somehow helping her cope with the death of her baby,” said Andrew, “She walked one way crying and I walked the other way crying.”

And then there are the yarns that as Andrew puts it, “Only in Australia would that happen.”  Noticing Andrew’s polo shirt a woman commented that he worked at Living Legends and asked if Rogan Josh was still there.  Upon answering that yes he was, the woman launched into her fascinating tale. “This woman was saying, the year he won the Cup I was pregnant, animatedly pointing to her belly. I backed Rogan Josh and the deal was if the horse won, then I would name the baby after him.” Shaking his head Andrew said, “Only in Australia would that bet get made.”  In owner Wendy Green’s book Wendy In Wonderland, there is a photo of young Josh, the Cup and the champion racehorse!

Unlike Foo, not all residents move out to the farm straight away, some try their ‘hooves’ at other things first. Chief De Beers served for ten years with the Queensland Police Force. “He did crowd control, football games, the bush fires. He was the ceremonial horse for the government and in funeral parades for fallen officers,” detailed Andrew.  Apparently Brew tried out for the police force as well, but failed police academy, “He has a bit of a problem with throwing tantrums,” laughed Andrew.

Just like humans, the horses have to adjust to retirement as well. These athletes don’t lead the conventional life of a paddock pony. Andrew described Silent Witness as a horse who is mentally tough. Trained and raced in Hong Kong, he moved between his stable, the track and a horse walker. “I flew over with him and put him out in the paddock. He had probably not seen a paddock in five or six years. He looked to the left, looked to the right, gave a little buck and that was it. He was happy.”  Silent Witness’ rival, Bullish Luck (the horse that ended his 17 consecutive race winning streak) took longer to adapt.  “He was a bit grumpy when he arrived,” said Andrew. A mob of kangaroos bounding up the laneway towards his paddock didn’t ease the induction either. “The best thing that happened to him was that his paddock mate was Foo. They spent the winter together at a private farm. No contact with people. He just needed to clear his head.”

There are no favourites; Andrew remarked that would be like choosing your favourite child. Over the years he has developed a bond with each horse, and he is privy to their different personalities and quirks.  He considers Might and Power to be a larrikin with a bit of Aussie mongrel about him, while on the other hand Doriemus is a bit of a softer thinker, “If horses could play chess, then he would,” joked Andrew.  These two foes were paddock mates for a short time and Andrew remembers heading down to break up a squabble one day. He likes to think that the old rivals were probably still arguing about the 1997 Melbourne Cup!

Woodlands is a scenic property. The 1840s heritage listed homestead was quite unique for its time; it is a kit home.  The Greene family arrived from London in 1842 bringing with them a prefabricated wooden bungalow, “All the beams have roman numerals on them indicating which bits go together, like a jigsaw,” said Andrew. Owned by various families over the years, Andrew said, “Some of the first horse racing was point to point races out in the paddocks where the champions are now.”

When the Victorian government requested expressions of interest in the property, it emerged as a suitable place for the centre to be established. “Be careful what you wish for,” said Andrew, “Because sometimes you get it, and we got it!” The property was fairly run down at the time the organization took control of it and they have invested a lot of time, effort and money into reinstating the facilities. Preserving the heritage listed homestead and surrounding out buildings is an epic task! “We only found it by accident, “ said Martin, I had been driving past it for 20 years and didn’t even know it was there!”

Comprising 1700 acres, the property is open for the public to explore. Bike trails, walking tracks, beautiful gardens, an abundance of wildlife, BBQ facilities, Devonshire teas, the quaint homestead can even be booked for wedding receptions and other special events. With around 50,000 visitors each year, Spring Carnival is of course the busiest time.  It is a privilege to meet the horses in such a serene environment. Rolling in the mud, lazing in the sun or leaning over the fence to scratch each other’s backs, they enjoy just being horses.  Like any retiree, “They can have their grumpy old men moments,” remarked Andrew.  Efficient is the youngest retiree at 10, whilst Blu is grandfather of them all at 28!

The future of the Living Legends is not secure. The charity organization needs ongoing financial support to ensure that this fabulous park remains open to the public and Andrew and the team can continue with their research into equine diseases and aged care. Any contribution is greatly appreciated and queries regarding donations should be directed to Andrew (www.livinglegends.org.au). With only half-a-dozen employees, volunteers also offer their valuable time to maintain the gardens and homestead.  “We get a lot of people wanting to volunteer with the horses. Due to liability issues we can only accept people who have a strappers license. They need that qualification because they are dealing with horses and the public. It is an extra level of care and experience that is required,” said Andrew. 

The name Living Legends sums it up perfectly. These champion sprinters and stayers are the Usain Bolts and Ron Clarkes of the horseracing world.  Together they have accumulated 5 Caulfield Cups, 5 Melbourne Cups, a Japan Cup and countless Group One wins.  These animals are the elite athletes of their sport. In different ways they have touched the hearts of individuals around the world.  Passionate about the ideals of the organization and ensuring its longevity Andrew commented, “Basically, it’s a group of geldings, but they’ve done some pretty neat stuff.”

Our friends at Downunder Magazine kindly shared this story with Horsezone - Downunder Magazine is Australia’s leading horse, cattle and country lifestyle publication.

The Autumn Edition of The Horse Downunder Magazine is out NOW! If you'd like to subscribe to Downunder Magazine please email tara@horsedownunder.com.au (just $32 for four issues) or look out for this great Aussie mag in your local newsagent or saddlery store.

Visit the website here www.horsedownunder.com.au

'

Coming up in the Winter issue - available the first week in June 2014

A small selection of articles to look forward to:

• The Corryong Man from Snowy River Festival
• Cassilis Rodeo
• Droving with the Forge Family
• On the Trail: Beating the Spook with Clinton Anderson

PLUS MUCH MORE - view all Winter Contents at the PDF below