Phar Lap
- Born:
- October 4, 1926, Greenoaks, Timaru, New Zealand
- Died:
- April 5, 1932, Menlo Park, California, United States
- Nationality:
- New Zealand (bred), Australian (raced in)
- Profession(s):
- Thoroughbred Racehorse
Early Life
- Foaled in New Zealand on October 4, 1926.
- Initially considered gangly and awkward, lacking the desired physique for a top racehorse.
Career and Major Achievements
- Purchased by trainer Harry Telford.
- Began racing in Australia, initially with limited success.
- Experienced a breakthrough season in 1929, winning numerous major races.
- Won the 1930 Melbourne Cup, carrying a heavy weight of 9 st 12 lb (62.5 kg).
- Dominated Australian racing in the early 1930s.
- Competed in and won the Agua Caliente Handicap in Tijuana, Mexico, in 1932, one of the richest races in the world at the time.
Notable Wins
| Race | Year |
|---|---|
| AJC Derby | 1929 |
| Victoria Derby | 1929 |
| Melbourne Cup | 1930 |
| Agua Caliente Handicap | 1932 |
Death and Controversy
- Died suddenly in California in April 1932.
- The cause of death was initially attributed to colic.
- Later investigations suggested arsenic poisoning as a possible cause, although the circumstances remain debated. Recent tests suggest poisoning from a high dose of arsenic based pesticide used at the time.
Legacy and Impact
Phar Lap became an Australian icon and a symbol of hope during the Great Depression. His remarkable achievements on the track and his untimely death cemented his place in Australian sporting history. The ongoing fascination with his life and death is reflected in the continued interest surrounding this remarkable animal, with the 'phar lap biography racehorse memorial wall' at various locations serving as a testament to his enduring popularity.