29 November 2019

The people of Victoria have voted, and Living Legends is the winner of the 2019 RACV People’s Choice Award for Best Tourism Experience or Service.

More than 11,000 votes were cast for over 60 Victorian venues, with Living Legends announced as the winner at a gala ceremony in Melbourne last night. 

It is the first time Living Legends has won a prestigious RACV Tourism Award, and CEO and Veterinary Director, Dr Andrew Clarke, paid credit to his team at Woodlands Park and the extended Living Legends family.

“It’s been a legendary team effort to grow and develop Living Legends into the treasured place it is today, from Annie’s famous scones in the Black Caviar Cafe to our 25 retired racehorses including the likes of Might And Power and Aache Cat who are available to the public 364 days a year. We’d like to sincerely thank our staff, sponsors, visitors and donors for supporting us along the way.”

“We were in a very strong field and on debut, and it feels like we’ve won the Melbourne Cup of Tourism. We are proud and humbled to receive this honour,” Dr Clarke said.

In addition to taking out the People’s Choice Award, Living Legends was also acknowledged as one of five finalists in the Cultural Tourism category of the RACV Victorian Tourism Awards. This recognition comes just two weeks after being announced as the winner of the Tourism category  at the 2019 Hume Business Awards, run by Hume City Council.

Living Legends is the only public rest home for racehorses in Australia, and has become a much-loved attraction for people of all ages within the racing community, the public and local and international tourists. There are currently five Melbourne Cup winners who call Living Legends home, and next week will see the arrival of two new residents at Living Legends – 2016 Melbourne Cup winner ALMANDIN and 2013 Caulfield Cup winner FAWKNER.

Living Legends was established in 2006 as the International Home Of Rest for Champion Horses and a public museum for horse racing memorabilia, on a site that once was home to 19th century race meetings and is one of the most historic thoroughbred properties in the southern hemisphere. Now, 13 years on, Living Legends is unique in Australia and has evolved into a treasured destination where the public experience the joy of interacting with retired champion racehorses surrounded by native bushland, wildlife and a deep connection with Australian history.

Media enquiries: Dr Andrew Clarke 0407 551 289