Living Legends財困，面臨關閉之虞
SOME of Australia's most famous racehorses could be thrown out of their retirement home with the impending closure of Living Legends near Tullamarine.
On the eve of the Spring Carnival, ageing champions such as Cox Plate winner Fields Of Omagh and Melbourne Cup stars Might And Power, Doriemus, Rogan Josh and Saintly face becoming homeless.
Australian-bred Hong Kong star Silent Witness and 1990 Cox Plate and Japan Cup winner Better Loosen Up are also among 11 horses whose futures are in jeopardy.
Better Loosen Up, who turned 24 on Friday, may be too old to move.
The horse, who propelled David Hayes on to the international scene in his first season as a trainer, is healthy in the paddocks at Woodlands Park, but his age has cast doubt on his future.
The horses will be moved and the project dismantled by the end of the year unless a major benefactor is found.
Living Legends, a 12ha haven on a 60ha property next to Melbourne Airport, spends about $8000 annually on each of its 11 horses to keep them healthy.
More than 75,000 tourists have visited Living Legends since it opened two years ago.
But organisers are not allowed to charge an entry fee and last year's horse flu outbreak stopped tourists visiting and donating.
The State Government gave the land on a peppercorn lease to accommodate the horses, but veterinary, farrier and dental fees, feed and staff costs have forced organisers to raise about $100,000 annually.
Living Legends chief operating officer Dr Andrew Clarke conceded the complex was "in dire straits".
"It is a case of donations or bust," he said. "We were hit for six financially last year.
"We earn income from the horses being part of carnival activities and from donations. But EI stopped the horses leaving the property last year so they earned nothing, and tourists were not allowed on the property. We are on the brink.
"We have three of the old champs going to the Caulfield Cup, four to the launch of the Flemington Carnival this week and for the Cup parade, and four going to Perth.
"That revenue will help us get through until the end of the year, but that will be it as far as the money goes.
"Frankly, unless we can get sponsorship or a couple of major benefactors the future of the whole project is in doubt."
A fundraiser will be held at Woodlands Homestead on September 19. For details, go to www.livinglegends.org.au.
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