There were testimonials, rounds of applause and plenty of carrots for harness racing hero Just Believe as he was officially welcomed into Living Legends on Thursday morning.

One of the sport’s most treasured names has joined fellow standardbred Sundons Gift and around 40 thoroughbred stars at the stunning retirement facility in Greenvale, where he will be adored by thousands of racing fans each and every year.

Just Believe was retired in early 2025 after a wonderful career that included 38 wins and 23 placings from 83 starts for $1,929,253 in earnings. This left him as Australia’s richest ever trotter and second only to the mighty Lyell Creek on the all-time Australasian list.

Originally trained by Michael Hughes, it was Just Believe’s move to the Jess Tubbs stable in mid-2022 that ultimately saw him reach stardom. In 42 starts for Tubbs, the son of Orlando Vici would win 30 of them while taking his connections on a whirlwind journey around Australia, to Sweden for Elitloppet and back and forth to New Zealand.

He won 10 Group 1 races, highlighted by two Inter Dominion grand finals, a Great Southern Star, and the National Trot, Rowe Cup and Dominion Trot across the Tasman. He also claimed the inaugural TAB Trot slot race at Cambridge, which proved the most lucrative success of his career.

The late Greg Sugars partnered his great mate to 29 wins as a driver.

“The journey that Harry took us on truly changed our lives,” Tubbs said. “He took us to places and introduced us to people we never would have otherwise encountered.

“Winning races like the Inter Dominion, the Great Southern Star, the Rowe Cup and the NZ Dominion meant the world to Greg and I, and I’ll be forever grateful to Harry for enabling Greg to reach that top-level success that he so richly deserved. The bond those two shared was incredible.

“It’s special for the harness racing industry to see Just Believe recognised in this way with his admission into Living Legends.

“I hope he enjoys his new home and lives a long and happy future full of carrots. He deserves nothing but the best.”

Just Believe’s place at Living Legends is thanks to a significant financial contribution from his breeder-owner Pat Driscoll of Yabby Dam Farms and through a partnership between Harness Racing Victoria and Living Legends.

“I’m absolutely rapt that he’s been acknowledged as an outstanding horse and ambassador for the sport,” Driscoll said. “To be welcomed into Living Legends is unbelievable – it’s just a wonderful achievement for the horse.

“He’s done a great job in Australia, New Zealand and Sweden, and the fact that people will be able to go and see him when they want is great. It just puts the spotlight on harness racing because he’s current and a lot of people know who he is.”

Thursday's function was attended by around 50 guests, with words from Driscoll, Living Legends CEO Dr Andrew Clarke and HRV CEO Matt Isaacs.

For more information on Living Legends, visit the website here.