Thursday, 14 November 2019

 Mrs McARTHUR (Western Victoria) (18:27): My adjournment debate is for the Minister for Racing and relates to the terrific work done by Charlie Lovick of Merrijig in retraining racing thoroughbreds for life after racing. Retraining and rehoming retired thoroughbred racehorses—even some from my electorate of Western Victoria Region—is a high priority for racing authorities in Victoria. Their intelligence and athleticism make them suitable for a number of post-racing careers, from equestrian pursuits to therapy animals, riding for the disabled, working horses and pleasure riding. Racing Victoria’s Off the Track program works to bring together owners and their network of trainers. I welcome their recent further investment in the program and look forward to its expansion, but I would like to highlight the terrific work done by Charlie Lovick, a true gentleman of the High Country.

The Lovicks have been at Merrijig on the Delatite River for six generations, since William Lovick first settled there in 1860. They became the first mountain cattlemen of the region, driving their herds up into the High Country each spring for nearly 150 years. A tough fighter for traditional High Country grazing, Charlie is the best example of a country man who really cares about his animals. I am delighted that he is extending his work to retired thoroughbreds. Charlie has a long history with horses. His father pioneered Lovick’s High Country Adventures, and his desire to share his beloved High Country home with others saw them operate these tours successfully for decades. To this day trail riding is a huge drawcard in the area. In the next year he hopes to bring 100 ex-racehorses to the family farm. He said:

These horses need a second chance, and I have the space to give them that …

…

I’m going to work with each and every one to find out what they are best suited for …

I cannot speak highly enough of Charlie’s work. He is the perfect example of a country farmer whose care for his animals goes way beyond just treating them as a livelihood. I am delighted he is now extending his care to work with so many more thoroughbreds. The action I seek from the minister is that he offer his support and that of the government to the efforts of Mr Lovick.