Dual Doomben Ten Thousand winner and retired police horse Chief De Beers is set to rightfully take his place as a living legend at a premium horse facility in Victoria.
Brisbane Racing Club has launched a campaign to raise $30,000 to ensure Chief De Beers lives out his twilight years in comfort at Living Legends near Melbourne.
"The Chief", who was labeled a freak of the turf after 20 amazing wins at Doomben, retired from racing in 1999 and went on to become a valued member of the Queensland Mounted Police.
The former champion was retired from police service last week.
Brisbane Racing Club wants to help facilitate his transition into retirement in a manner befitting a racing legend.
Brisbane Racing Club chief operating officer Darren Condon said the club was excited to help a legend that has helped put the Brisbane Racing Carnival and the Doomben 10,000 on the map.
“We are happy to help raise money towards providing this Doomben legend with the retirement he deserves,” he said.
“Patrons will be able to get up close to Chief De Beers during this week's carnival celebrations and help us to ensure he can grow old gracefully after his great contribution to the racing industry and police service.”
Living Legends near Melbourne provides a unique facility where former champions are well cared for and can be accessed by the public in their paddocks.
Living Legends CEO Andrew Clarke said the facility would be thrilled to welcome Chief De Beers to its stables.
“Chief De Beers is a terrific champion who has contributed so much to racing and the community since his retirement,” he said.
Chief De Beers will make an appearance at the Kingston Town Club luncheon at Doomben on Friday where guests will be able to pat and pose for a photo with the champion.
Chief De Beers will also make appearances at Doomben on Saturday and will lead the horses for the 2012 Doomben 10,000 to the start.
