Melbourne Cup winner bringing joy to sick kids in retirement

Once the fastest horse in Australia, Subzero now works at a much slower pace, visiting sick children in hospital.

Racehorse Subzero on a visit to the Royal Children's hospital. Source: SBS

Former Melbourne Cup winner Subzero loves to be cuddled, according to his owner Graham Salisbury.

"Around kids, he's bombproof," says Mr Salisbury.

Subzero created a bit of magic on the track in Flemington in 1992. He wasn't the favourite, but the grey thoroughbred loved a wet track and crossed the line two lengths ahead of his nearest rival.

He retired from racing shortly after, and became a clerk of the course horse. His gentle temperament and intelligence helping to manage the thoroughbreds on the race track.

In 2008 his arthritis pulled him out of action, but his contribution to racing has not tapered off.

"He's probably done more for racing now than when he was a racehorse, even being a Melbourne Cup winner. I think getting around to these events and letting the kids come out and see him, they love it," said Melbourne Cup winning jockey Damien Oliver.

In retirement, Subzero has visited more than 6,000 children across the state. He has been ridden by Hugh Jackman and Kylie Minogue and has helped raise millions of dollars for charity.

Imojen Giffening has been a resident at the Royal Children's Hospital since November, receiving treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. She has horses at home in Echuca, but she doesn't know when she'll get to see them again. Subzero giving her a much needed boost of happiness.

"It's good to be around a horse again," she said.

Retired racehorse Subzero on a visit to the Royal Children's Hospital. Source: SBS

Graham Salisbury says this is what Subzero does best.

"He just loves people," he said "Ninety per cent of these kids have never ever been up close with a horse before and to be up close with a Melbourne Cup winner is very special."

And he's not ready to retire from this job anytime soon.

"He's contributed 110% to racing and he's not finished, he's still got 110% to go," said Salisbury.

"He'll tell me when he's had enough."

The equine ambassador's visit formed part of Victoria's Good Friday Appeal.

Last year, $17 million was raised from the appeal.