Phar Lap: a Miller’s Guide immortal

Phar Lap, whose name means 'Lightning' in Thai, is arguably the most famous racehorse in Australasian history. Born in New Zealand in 1926, this gangly chestnut gelding was purchased for a modest 160 guineas by trainer Harry Telford. What seemed like an unpromising yearling would become a national icon, capturing hearts during the Great Depression.

On the track

Phar Lap's career began inauspiciously with a last place finish, but he soon found his stride. Between 1929 and 1932, he dominated Australian racing like no horse before or since. He won the Melbourne Cup in 1930 carrying 9st 12lb (138 pounds), the AJC Derby, two Cox Plates, and 19 other weight-for-age races. His 1930 Melbourne Cup victory came despite an attempted shooting the Saturday before the race. In 1932, he was shipped to Mexico where he won the Agua Caliente Handicap, the richest race in North America, before his mysterious death 16 days later.

Major wins

• Melbourne Cup (1930)
• Cox Plate (1930, 1931)
• AJC Derby (1929)
• VRC Derby (1929)
• Melbourne Stakes (1929, 1930)
• Sydney Stakes (1930, 1931)
• Chipping Norton Stakes (1931, 1932)
• Futurity Stakes (1931)
• Agua Caliente Handicap (1932)
• 14 consecutive victories (1930-31)

Legacy

Phar Lap died mysteriously in California on April 5, 1932, with arsenic poisoning suspected but never proven. His death devastated Australia and New Zealand. He won 37 of his 51 starts, including his last four races while carrying massive weights. His heart, found to be 1.5 times larger than normal, is displayed at the National Museum of Australia. His mounted hide is at the Melbourne Museum, and his skeleton at Te Papa Museum in New Zealand. He transcended racing to become a symbol of hope during hard times.

By the numbers

Image: Phar Lap, via Wikimedia Commons. Miller’s Guide honours the champions of the Australian turf.