| The day opened with delightful string music played by the children of Wesley College's Elsternwick Campus, their fresh faced enthusiasm set the mood perfectly. 
Wesley College's talented musicians  
The Carlton Clydesdale team are always great to see. 
Shelley Kerr gave us all her special welcome and here she greets
Jill Ross from Lynden Park Stud
where Fields of Omagh was born.
What a proud moment for Jill. | 
Keen horse lovers - Sir Rupert and Lady Susannah Clarke and their Daughter
Jo (who was a champion Junior
Dressage rider and has represented Australia at several competitions) |  The Master of Ceremonies was popular race caller and part owner of Fields of Omagh, Bryan Martin. He introduced the speakers and first up was 'horse industry' accountant Martin O'Connor who explained how this venture has taken shape. Martin said that about four years ago he stated to consider the prospect of the day that his champion racehorse Fields of Omagh would retire. Martin bred the horse and was joined by a group of 31 friends and their families to race 'FOO', who has gone on to win many prestigious races including the prestigious Cox Plate in 2003 and again just last Saturday when he made history, winning the race as a 9 year old. Martin explained, "He has given us all so much pleasure and we wanted him to be where we could continue to enjoy him in his retirement and share this with all racing fans and all animal lovers. 
Above - Martin O'Connor
welcomes Eunice Falkender
who, for many years strapped for
Gai Waterhouse when she
was racing in Melbourne. Right - The Hon.
John Thwaites MLA
confirmed the importance
of this project for
Victoria's racing industry, whilst
preserving the environmental
contribution of the Woodlands
Historic Park. |  | When the plans for today's Official Opening of this wonderful facility were being made, it would be only the sublimely optimistic racing fan that would have predicted that Fields of Omagh would begin his retirement as the reigning Cox Plate champion. All of the former champions has made their own bit of history and this is why they will always have a special place in the hearts of racing enthusiasts and horse lovers.  A marquee was set up for the official side of the morning and the colourful decor honoured the jockeys, horses and trainers who have been inducted into the industry's Hall of Fame. The lovely people from the Hanging Rock Winery were in attendance to ensure that those who were interested in sampling the local produce went away very impressed and happy.  Several hundred invited guests joined the 'Living Legends' committee and The Hon. John Thwaites MLA to welcome home such greats as Saintly, Might and Power, Better Loosen Up, Sky Heights , Doreimus and of course the horse of the moment, FOO. Champion middle distance horse and winner of over 2 million dollars, Juggler joined his friends for the day's celebrations, even though he will not be staying on. John Thwaits acknowledges that the success of the Spring Carnival underlines the passion Victorians have for racing and our champion horses. The Living Legends facility is situated at the magnificent Woodlands Historic Homestead, a 700 hectare historic property which was purchased by the Victorian Government during the reign of Sir Rupert Hamer. This acquisition acknowledges the role of the property in Victoria's racing history and the value it lends to the education and enjoyment of future generations. There are plans for further development of Woodlands to enhance the value of tourism to the area. 
This low flying Qantas jet gives a good idea of the proximity to the
Tullamarine Airport - a great factor for the tourism aspects of this venture. Racing and Tourism Minister John Pandazopoulos was also in attendance today and he said, in an earlier interview, that the new facility would be a tremendous asset for two of the State’s most important industries - racing and tourism. From here, I will let the pictures tell the story and we take this opportunity to wish our past champions good health and a happy life at the Living Legends, International Home of Rest for Champion Horses. | 
