Where the champions go

Living Legends brings together retired champions. They may have slowed but they still have plenty to give, writes Max Presnell.

After their glory days, great horses, and the not-so-outstanding Melbourne Cup winners, are left to a boring paddock life with only the flies for company. But they never lose character nor the ability to provoke wonderful memories.

Take, for instance, Rogan Josh, successful in the 1999 Melbourne Cup.
"I made a deal with myself that if the horse won the Cup I would name my baby boy after Rogan Josh," one lady told Professor Andrew Clarke, who related this as one of many anecdotes surrounding Living Legends.

Like hundred of others she wanted to get up close and personal with her favourite horse at Woodlands, the historic Victorian property that now provides a retirement home named Living Legends for many of Australia's best.

"Only in Australia would a mother name a baby after a horse," Clarke said. "Only in Australia would the horse have to win before the boy was given the name. Only in Australia would the mother bring the boy to have a photo taken and explain, 'Here is the horse you were named after'."
Living Legends, the outfit just out of Melbourne near Tullamarine, celebrated its first birthday last Wednesday. Clarke is the CEO, veterinary director and dish-washing team member. Over the past 12 months, he has become attached to the great names of the Australian turf. Once you couldn't find a category as redundant as a has-been nag, even the top-liners. However, Clarke confirmed, even after their racing days they have much to offer.

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