CategoriesIn The Media by

Ending the year on a high

Living Legends celebrates multiple award wins

After what has been a trying few years for businesses everywhere, Living Legends is thrilled to be ending 2022 on a high, with the receipt of several awards and recognition from industry peers.

In October, the City of Hume hosted its annual Business Awards night, where Living Legends was named winner of the Visitor Economy – Tourism category, and then awarded the prestigious title of Hume Business of the Year. Tourism is the fourth largest sector of Hume City’s economy, with destinations and venues in addition to Living Legends such URBNSURF, Marnong Estate and Arundel to name a few (see lots more at #DiscoverHume). All contribute to making Hume a great place to live, work and visit.

Then, on December 1st at the Victorian Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) Awards Gala, Living Legends won two Bronze awards in the categories of Cultural Tourism and Tourist Attractions. These two awards taken together highlight Living Legends as a Racing Field of Dreams. Our base at Woodlands Historic Homestead and Park is one of the southern Hemisphere’s most historic thoroughbred properties and legendary thoroughbreds have been based here since the 1840s. In addition, Annie’s scones, the homestead and surrounding heritage gardens and national park all cap off the visitor experience

Living Legends CEO Andrew Clarke feels both proud and humbled by these achievements.

“It is an honour to be holding these awards, especially when we see the calibre of our fellow finalists. To win Business of the Year in Hume is very special and we’re grateful to the Hume Council for the award and the ongoing support and promotion they provide the visitor economy and indeed all businesses in the region.

“Our Bronze awards from VTIC are the icing on the cake. To place in the top three tourist attractions in the State across two categories is a momentous achievement. It shows us we’re doing something that people love, and it inspires us to keep going and to build our community and Learning with Legends education programs.

“These successes are a credit to our incredible team – their hard work, dedication and passion. It is also a testament to our loyal supporters, sponsors and donors, as our work would not be possible without their ongoing generosity.”

Living Legends sends out a special thanks to the sponsors, judges and organisers of both awards events for making these victories possible. Congratulations to all winners and finalists for the City of Hume Business Awards and the VTIC Tourism Awards. We look forward to working with you again in 2023.

CategoriesSupport by

Living Legends strives for a win / win outcome – and they need your help

Living Legends is calling on the public for what could be a win / win situation for the organization and its supporters.

Living Legends has partnered with three-time Group 1 winner Callsign Mav, trained by leading trainer Danny O’Brien, for the 2022 Seppelt Wines All-Star Mile. If all goes to plan, there will be a big cash prize for the organization and one lucky voter.

The All-Star Mile is the only horse race in Australia where the public chooses the field through online voting. The top ten horses from Australia and New Zealand are granted a start in the race. Adam Nelson and fellow co-owners have promised to donate 10% of Callsign Mav’s prize money to Living Legends if he is voted into the field.

In addition, everyone who votes in the All-Star Mile has a chance to win $250,000* as one of the All-Star Mile owner ambassadors.

Living Legends CEO and Veterinary Director, Dr Andrew Clarke, said this is an easy way for fans and supporters to give the organization a real financial boost.

“As a charitable organization, every dollar we receive makes such a difference. I encourage everyone who has visited Living Legends, seen us on social media, or met our Legends at the races, to get on board and vote as soon as they can. It could mean big things for us and for the voters.

“We are excited to get behind Callsign Mav – the 1600 metres of the All-Star Mile is a perfect distance for him. He’s a special horse – both a top-class performer on the track, and gentle giant off the track. “We’re grateful to Adam Nelson and the horse’s co-owners for this generous commitment and partnership. Now we need the public’s help to secure Callsign Mav a place in the great race,” Dr Clarke said.

To vote visit www.allstarmmile.com.au and click VOTE NOW. Polls close on Sunday, 13 February 2022.

“A vote for Callsign Mav means a chance for all of us to win. Jump online now,” Dr Clarke said.

Living Legends is the only public rest home for racehorses in Australia and was established to nurture the deep connection between the community and our racehorse champions and promote life after racing for all horses.

Living Legends provides the perfect setting for people of every age to mix and mingle, get up close and personal, and really come to know these former champions.

*T&Cs apply

Media enquiries: Dr Andrew Clarke 0407 551 289

CategoriesIn The Media by

Dale Thomas & Fields Of Omagh

Dale ‘Daisy’ Thomas visited Living Legends last week and loved his time with dual Cox Plate winner, Fields of Omagh.

Watch the video and see the photo gallery below. (Click to enlarge photos.)

  • Dale “Daisy” Thomas and dual Cox Plate winner, Fields Of Omagh, at Living Legends in Greenvale. Picture Jay Town

Pictures by Jay Town

CategoriesEvents by

Accessibility Weekend 2021

Living Legends are proud to once again be a participating venue in the 2021 Accessibility Weekend.

Due to the nature of COVID-19 restrictions in Melbourne and Victoria, the decision has been made to postpone Accessibility Weekend to the 13th and 14th of November this year.

Traditionally, Accessibility Weekend is held over the first weekend in September and offers FREE access to a variety of Victoria’s favourite attractions for people who use a wheelchair or mobility aid, and their carer.

Join us to celebrate access and inclusion for people with a physical disability.

Learn more here: https://www.accessibilityweekend.com.au/

CategoriesSupport, Uncategorized by

Mitavite Visit

We have been operating for 14 years and Mitavite has been with us throughout the journey.

They are our original and longest standing sponsor, we are very grateful for their continued support.

It was wonderful to have them out to Living Legends recently, enjoy this video of their visit.

CategoriesSupport, Uncategorized by

An open letter from Vince Pirrottina

Forward

Vince Pirrottina, Living Legends Accessibility Ambassador, has written the attached heart felt piece. Vince has been a regular visitor to Living Legends with his wife Rosanne since 2006. Rosanne worked out that she and Vince had been to Living Legends 29 times since 2006 missing out a few times because of the Equine Influenza outbreak in Australia that forced Living Legends to close for several months, due to weather and due to Vince’s health at different times.

Vince and Rosanne have been towers of strength in assisting Living Legends with our aim of providing accessibility for all with mobility challenges. Put simply we want everyone to be able to meet and mingle with our horses and to enjoy to the fullest all that is on offer at Woodlands Historic Homestead and Park.

We owe Vince and Rosanne a very special thank you for guiding us on this path.

Dr Andrew Clarke
CEO – Living Legends

Woodlands Park, Homestead & Living Legends

My wife and I, discovered for ourselves the commitment, management and staff have in making Woodlands Park Historic Homestead and Living Legends, accessible to all. From our first visit, in 2006, introducing family, friends and sharing precious memories of Australia’s racing great, retired race horses. Might and Powder, Doriemus and Saintly, to name a few.

Sadly my great friend Bob (aka Might And Power), Doriemus and Saintly, have passed on. But fortunately I can sit by the Memorial Bridge and garden, overlooking the horses in their spacious paddocks. Meditating, while remember the good times, pleasure they have given me, horse loving and racing public.

Living Legends has always looked to the future and how it can best serve the Public. They provide concession rates for Pensioner and Senior card holders while Companion Card Holder are provided free access with those that they assist. Once again on the weekend of September 4th and 5th, 2021, Living Legends are proudly hosting the Accessibility Weekend.

Another innovation has been the introduction, of their golf buggy, generously donated by Godolphin, which enables the elderly and physically challenged, the ability to enjoy the grounds and visit the horses.

The Woodlands Historic Homestead, is a reminder of our pioneering heritage. With its memorabilia and antiques, evoking memories of a by-gone era. Also enjoyed their delicious homemade lunches, Devonshire teas and hot drinks. The flat public parking, has good access to a tree covered picnic area, garden and homestead, with benches, tables and accessible toilet via a sandy path and electric opening gate, approximately 50 meters away. The porch is accessed by a wooden ramp. One step into the house, with removable carbon fibre ramp available. Once inside, the wide doors and corridor, provide no obstacle.

Overlooking Tullamarine Airport the extensive sandy paths are reasonably smooth, while a bit slippery and challenging at times. Though giving my electric wheelchair little trouble. Gradients are from 1 in 6 to 1 in 20. So people in manual wheelchairs may need assistance. You need to cover around 750 meters, while venturing to the horse paddocks, with some seating to rest.

I have found the Historic Homestead, Living Legends and its grounds, offers something to interest most people. Even marveling at aircraft gliding in to land. So if you haven’t had the opportunity, to visit Living Legends. Take the time and relax for a couple of hours, or spend a day enjoying all on offer. As I have done.

Vince Pirrottina
Living Legends Accessibility Ambassador
June 22nd 2021

CategoriesWell Known Legends by

Vale Super Impressive

June has been designated as #LoveTheHorse month – a special month where we are focusing on our legends, their personalities and their community contributions in retirement.

However, it is fair to say that our collective #LoveTheHorse hearts were broken last Friday with the passing of Super Impressive, aka Super. It is hard to say goodbye.

Super was a journeyman racehorse. He had 11 victories from 50 life time starts, including two Standish Handicaps at Flemington.

In life after racing, Super complete a decade long stellar career in the Victorian Police Mounted Branch. During his early days there, his trainer described him as, “without a doubt my heart horse. He arrived at the Mounted Branch and quickly became one of my best friends.”

“Friendly and kind” best describe Super in his life after life after racing at Living Legends. He was a gentle giant, a crowd pleaser, a people’s horse, and a children’s horse.

Super was in many ways the epitome of Living Legends’ role to nurture the deep connection between people and horses. This was especially the case for people who were a little nervous around horses and needed to gain confidence, such as school children on excursions, or senior visitors and wheelchair users. Super’s gentle ways would always win them over.

Super was an inaugural member of our Legends Under saddle Program and our Learning with Legends team. He was a go to horse for less experienced veterinary students on placement when we wanted to hone their horse handling skills.

For Super it was a life lived to its fullest. He brought so much joy to all he met at Living Legends and was pivotal in establishing our community work through Legends Under Saddle, our Young Riders and our Learning with Legends programs.

Vale Super, you will be much missed.

CategoriesIn The Media by

Health scare for Apache Cat

via Racing.com News Hub

Champion sprinter Apache Cat is set to undergo treatment for eye cancer.

The eight-time Group 1 winner is set to have radiation treatment later this month, with Living Legends CEO Dr Andrew Clarke saying he was confident of a positive outcome.

“On the 23rd they will scrape off as much of the (Cancerous) tissue as they can and they … (will do) radiation treatment,” Dr Clarke told RSN.

“It only goes 2mm deep. So he will have the radiation treatment on it and the prognosis is very good, but … you’ve still got to be nervous about these types of things.

“The good thing is we have got onto it early.”

Dr Clarke said he had started to get concerned about Apache Cat’s eye in November last year.

“Pache has always had a little bit of conjunctivitis in summer. Back in late November he had a little bit of what looked to be conjunctivitis and I had a look and I just wasn’t happy, there was a little angry spot in there,” he said.

“We had a couple of visits to Andrew (Turner, an eye specialist) and about three weeks ago we had to take Pache and have a biopsy done.

“It is the typical sort of sun type tumour you get on your skin. It’s very rare in the position (on Apache Cat).”

CategoriesUncategorized by

This Could be You!

Tegan Abercrombie and son Tyler visited Living Legends this week along with this year’s ASM Trophy.

Teagan won $250,000 last year when Regal Power won the All Star Mile Race.

Full details are in the attached link to article in the Herald Sun: 

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/superracing/vic-racing/how-winning-250000-in-the-allstar-mile-changed-single-mum-tegan-abercrombies-life/news-story/d48ee92ee58c5475ab2969f1f63f4995.

Arcadia Queen is a stable mate of Regal Power, last year’s winner. Also important to note that Arcadia Queen is the favourite for this year’s running of the All Star Mile.

A vote for Arcadia Queen helps raise funds for Living Legends and also gives you the chance to be selected as her ambassador and in line for a share of $500,000,  $250,000 if she wins.

For your chance at the $500,000 prize pool, vote by February 14 at allstarmile.com.au