Open House Weekend includes Woodlands Homestead and Estate in Greenvale

MELBOURNE Cup winner Rogan Josh is one of many champions of the track who see their days at Woodlands Historic Homestead. And he likes to pop inside for a cuppa.

Annie Benedetti has a cuppa with 1999 Melbourne Cup winner Rogan Josh. Picture: Tony Gough

CHAMPIONS of the track see out their days gazing at a lovely horizon and being tended by a team of carers.

Woodlands Historic Homestead is one of the most historical thoroughbred properties in the southern hemisphere, dating back to the early 1840s. It is the base for Living Legends, established to bring retired champion racehorses back to the public and will be part of this year’s Open House Melbourne Weekend.

Retired racehorse Chief De Beers takes a walk around the homestead with Danielle Muskett. Picture: Tony Gough

Retired champion racehorse Chief De Beers pops into visit Andrew Clarke. Picture: Tony Gough

Living Legends CEO Andrew Clarke said it was one of the earliest standing homesteads built in the Greenvale area, which nudges Tullamarine airport.

Mr Clarke said there were “17¼” horses at the property — there is one mini horse named Shangri La. There are four Melbourne Cup winners — Might And Power, Rogan Josh, Efficient and Brew. There are also Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate winners as well as some international champions.

“This land has bred a lot of thoroughbreds in its long history,” Mr Clarke said.

Woodlands Historic Homestead, 207 Oaklands Rd, Greenvale, is open to the public on July 29-30, 10am-4pm.
Open House Melbourne Weekend is on from July 29-30.

Details: openhousemelbourne.org.au