Subbie Graduates at Werribee Equine Centre Launch

Wednesday, 18 September 2002 00:00

Subzero stole the show at yesterday's official opening of the Phase I redevelopment at The University of Melbourne Equine Centre at Werribee, south west of Melbourne.

The 1992 Melbourne Cup winner took part in the ribbon cutting ceremony with Fay Marles, Chancellor of The University of Melbourne.

He then answered questions from Professor Andrew Clarke, Chair of Equine Studies at the Faculty of Veterinary Science while wearing his graduation cap.

The launch introduced the horse industry to the upgraded Equine Centre. Visitors were given a tour of the new facilities which included the gamma camera which will be the centre piece of the Equine Centre's Nuclear Medicine department.

Other facilities included the exercise physiology treadmill, shockwave therapy machine, and the new stables.

Demonstrations by renowned veterinary Dr. Alastair MacLean and other staff including Dr. A Dredge, Dr. T Lowis, Dr. E Stella and Dr. S Church gave a brief glimpse into the world of equine veterinary practice.

Special guest George Hanlon was presented with a trophy by the Victorian Minister of Agriculture, the Honourable Mr. Keith Hamilton.

The famous trainer recounted tales of one of his old charges the Melbourne Cup contender Matlock who was the first horse to be operated on at Werribee 30 years ago. The surgery was still under construction and the operation was performed successfully in an open paddock!

Everyone was very impressed with the upgrade to the centre which was jointly funded by The University of Melbourne, and Racing Victoria.

The Equine Centre is a major equine referral, medical and surgical hospital which treats over 3000 horses per year from children's ponies to elite equine athletes.

As part of The University of Melbourne's Faculty of Veterinary Science it also provides training for 100 veterinary graduates per year.