Phar Lap

Phar Lap (1926–1932) was a champion Thoroughbred racehorse whose achievements captured the public's imagination during the early years of the Great Depression. Phar Lap, a chestnut gelding, was foaled in New Zealand and trained and raced in Australia. He is considered one of the greatest racehorses in the history of the sport.

Early life[edit | edit source]

Phar Lap was foaled on 4 October 1926 in Seadown near Timaru in the South Island of New Zealand. He was sired by Night Raid from Entreaty by Winkie. He was a chestnut gelding, standing 17.1 hands high.

Racing career[edit | edit source]

Phar Lap dominated Australian racing during a distinguished career, winning a Melbourne Cup, two Cox Plates, an AJC Derby, and 19 other weight for age races. His controversial death in California created a mystery that remains unsolved to this day.

Death and legacy[edit | edit source]

Phar Lap died on 5 April 1932. The cause of his death has been the subject of much speculation and remains uncertain. His heart, which was unusually large, is now on display at the National Museum of Australia in Canberra.

Phar Lap's mounted hide is displayed at the Melbourne Museum, and his skeleton at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.