Visitors to this unique sanctuary, nestled at Woodlands Historic Park in Melbourne’s north, can get up close and personal with racing’s equine stars, connecting with athletes whose victories have elevated them to a place among racing royalty.
These champions, both past and present, have collectively won not only the Lexus Melbourne Cup but also a multitude of other prestigious races, including the Cox Plate, TAB Australian Cup, Newmarket Handicap, and Caulfield Cup.
The Melbourne Cup winners who currently call Living Legends home and continue to captivate and inspire visitors are Twilight Payment (2020), Almandin (2016), Prince Of Penzance (2015), Efficient (2007), and Brew (2000). They follow in the hoofprints of past residents including legends like Might And Power, the 1997 Melbourne Cup winner affectionately known as ‘the Lord Mayor,’ who passed away in 2020, Doriemus (won 1995, died 2015), Saintly (won 1996, died 2016), and Rogan Josh (won 1999, died 2022).
Other current residents include heroes such as Apache Cat, Fawkner, Santa Ana Lane, Silent Witness and Redkirk Warrior, to name just a few. The horses are given the best care, living out their post-racing days in comfort and happiness, with many participating in one or more of the programs that Living Legends offers.
A champion of education, Living Legends offers life-long learning opportunities to students from primary school to veterinary science undergraduates through their ‘Learning With Legends’ program.
This program includes curriculum-based school visits and work experience placements for students interested in equine care and related fields. The organisation also prioritises the advancement of equine care through ‘Learning From Legends’, where they partner with research institutions to contribute valuable data and insights. They also actively engage with the community through ‘Legends on the Road’, taking the horses to various events and locations, fostering a connection between the public and these retired racehorses. They are regulars at Flemington on race days, where their presence continues to captivate and excite fans. Finally, ‘Legends Under Saddle’ allows for the continued exercise and wellbeing of the horses, while also offering riding and training opportunities for staff, students, and visitors.
In 2023, Living Legends received a significant boost when the regional town of Macedon won the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour National Sweep. Macedon selected Living Legends as their charity of choice, resulting in a $50,000 donation after drawing the winning barrier 16 for the horse Without A Fight in the Lexus Melbourne Cup. The Cup itself made a visit to the town in October that year, gracing several community events, including an open day at Living Legends.
This ongoing partnership between Living Legends and the VRC, bolstered by the recent success in the National Sweep, highlights the importance of community support and equine welfare. These connections, both human and equine, make Living Legends a cherished institution in the racing world.
These champions, now residing at Living Legends, continue to captivate and inspire, serving as living reminders of the incredible feats that define the Melbourne Cup’s rich legacy.
