Melbourne Cup great visits Geelong facility

Australia’s biggest racing event of the year is still two months away, but Melbourne Cup buzz is riding high at one lucky home in Geelong.

Residents of TLC’s The Belmont were more than a little star struck when 1992 Melbourne Cup winner, Subzero, waltzed into their lounge room earlier this month to join them for afternoon tea.

The big grey gelding overwhelmed with his sheer size and majesty, but soon got everyone on side with his trademark mild manners.

The Belmont general manager Bronwyn Emerton said it was an honour to have the champion inside the building.

“He is such a beautiful animal and was not at all phased by being in a lounge full of people,” Ms Emerton said.

“He was an absolute gentleman.”

Ms Emerton was delighted when Racing Victoria got in touch about meeting the thoroughbred.

Lots of The Belmont’s residents had grown up in the rural areas of Greater Geelong, and many became fondly nostalgic when greeted with the racing horse.

“They got talking about where they were and what they were doing when Subzero won the Melbourne Cup,” she said.

“It means so much to the residents of our home.”

Image: Subzero greets his oldest fans. CONTRIBUTED.