Chief De Beers and the team at Living Legends.
Image: Living Legends
Living Legend Chief De Beers has passed away
By Equestrian Life
Champion racehorse and celebrated police horse Chief De Beers has passed away peacefully at the age of 28.
As a galloper, Chief had 51 starts for 20 wins, including multiple Group 1 races. One of his major career highlights was winning the Doomben 10,000 in both 1995 and 1998.
Following his retirement from the track, he went on to serve in the Queensland Police Force in 1999 and remained there for 13 years. From search and rescue to crowd control — and even working as the designated Governor’s police horse — Chief did it all.
After retiring from the police force in 2012, Chief headed south to Victoria to live out his days at Living Legends.
The horse was recently presented with a prestigious Blue Cross Medal, an award that dates back to the 1900s for animals that have shown outstanding service to the community.
“Chief was only small in stature but he was big on attitude and spark and kept us laughing right until the end. He will be sorely missed at Living Legends and his unique achievements as a champion both on and off the track will be his lasting legacy,” says Living Legends CEO and Veterinary Director, Dr Andrew Clarke.
Chief’s passing follows a long illness that was first treated five years ago and had recently required ongoing treatment before he was euthanised late last week. He will be cremated and laid to rest in the memorial garden at Living Legends alongside past champions including Might And Power, Better Loosen Up and Doriemus
EQ Life’s thoughts are with his owners, the Greenup and Chapman families, his long-time companion Queensland Police Officer Belinda Worthington, and the team at Living Legends.
Rest in peace, Chief De Beers.
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