Phar Lap

Thoroughbred racehorse

Phar Lap

Phar Lap was a champion Thoroughbred racehorse, renowned for his remarkable racing career during the late 1920s and early 1930s. Born in New Zealand and trained in Australia, Phar Lap became a national hero and is considered one of the greatest racehorses of all time.

Early Life

Phar Lap was foaled on 4 October 1926 at Seadown, near Timaru, New Zealand. He was sired by the stallion Night Raid out of the mare Entreaty. His name, "Phar Lap," is derived from the Thai word for "lightning." Despite his unremarkable appearance as a young horse, Phar Lap's potential was recognized by trainer Harry Telford, who convinced American businessman David J. Davis to purchase him.

Racing Career

Phar Lap competing in a race, Melbourne, ca. 1930

Phar Lap's racing career began in 1929, and he quickly rose to prominence. He won his first race at Rosehill Racecourse in Sydney. Over the next few years, Phar Lap dominated the Australian racing scene, winning numerous prestigious races.

Major Wins

Phar Lap's most notable victory came in the 1930 Melbourne Cup, where he carried a record weight of 62.5 kg to victory. He also won the Victoria Derby, AJC Derby, and the Cox Plate twice. His success was not limited to Australia; Phar Lap also triumphed in the 1932 Agua Caliente Handicap in Mexico, which was the richest race in North America at the time.

Phar Lap winning the 1930 Melbourne Cup

Death and Legacy

Phar Lap's life was tragically cut short when he died on 5 April 1932 in Menlo Park, California. His sudden death was attributed to a mysterious illness, later suspected to be arsenic poisoning. Phar Lap's death shocked the racing world and led to widespread mourning.

Phar Lap's legacy endures, with his mounted hide on display at the Melbourne Museum, his skeleton at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, and his heart preserved at the National Museum of Australia.

Phar Lap's mounted hide

Phar Lap's heart

Cultural Impact

Phar Lap became a symbol of hope and resilience during the Great Depression, capturing the hearts of people across Australia and New Zealand. His story has been immortalized in books, films, and songs, ensuring his place in popular culture.

Related Pages

• Melbourne Cup
• Cox Plate
• Thoroughbred racing in Australia