Phar Lap is undoubtedly one of the most famous horses of all time. The Australian-born racehorse became an international celebrity in the 1930s thanks to his incredible ability on the track, winning an incredible 37 of his 51 races. But is Phar Lap the best horse ever? This article will explore the life and career of Phar Lap to answer this question.
Early Life and Racing Career
Phar Lap was born in New Zealand in 1926 and was bought by Australian businessman David Davis for the price of £168. He was trained by Harry Telford, who soon realised that the horse had immense potential. He began his racing career in Australia in 1929, and quickly made a name for himself with a series of impressive wins. By the time of his death in 1932, he had won 37 of his 51 starts, including the prestigious Melbourne Cup in 1930.
Phar Lap’s Popularity
Phar Lap quickly became a national icon in Australia, with his every race being eagerly followed by the public. His popularity was such that he was even given a guard of honour when he returned to the track after an injury. His popularity was not limited to Australia; his races were reported on in newspapers all around the world, and he was the subject of a Hollywood movie in the 1950s.
Phar Lap’s Legacy
Phar Lap’s legacy is still felt in Australia today. He is remembered as one of the nation’s greatest ever sporting heroes, and his name is synonymous with courage and determination. His popularity is such that he has been immortalised in statues, books and films. He has also been honoured with a memorial at the Australian Racing Museum, and is remembered fondly by racing fans around the world.
Phar Lap’s Racing Record
When it comes to assessing Phar Lap’s standing in the pantheon of racing greats, the first thing to consider is his racing record. As mentioned, he won 37 of his 51 starts, including the 1930 Melbourne Cup. He also won the Caulfield Cup and the AJC Derby, and set a course record in the 1932 AGC Stakes. He was so dominant that his odds were often prohibitively low, meaning that he was rarely backed by punters.
Phar Lap’s Influence on the Sport
Phar Lap’s influence on the sport of horse racing cannot be overestimated. He was a revolutionary horse, who changed the way that the sport was viewed and perceived. His dominance on the track led to an increased interest in the sport, and his incredible feats have been an inspiration to generations of jockeys, trainers and owners.
Other Great Horses
It is important to consider the achievements of other great horses when considering whether or not Phar Lap is the best horse ever. There have been a number of other horses who have achieved greatness on the track, such as Secretariat, Man O’ War and Seabiscuit. All of these horses have achieved incredible feats, and have been remembered fondly by racing fans.
Modern Horses
While Phar Lap is undoubtedly one of the greatest horses of all time, it is also important to consider the achievements of modern horses. The last few decades have seen a number of incredible horses, such as Frankel, Winx and Justify, who have achieved greatness on the track. All of these horses have achieved incredible feats, and are remembered fondly by racing fans.
Conclusion
It is impossible to definitively answer the question of whether or not Phar Lap is the best horse ever. He is undoubtedly one of the greatest horses of all time, and his achievements on the track are legendary. But there have been a number of other horses who have achieved greatness on the track, and it is impossible to compare them. What can be said is that Phar Lap was an incredible horse, who changed the face of the sport and inspired generations of jockeys, trainers and owners.
Facts about Phar Lap
Phar Lap was born in New Zealand in 1926.
Phar Lap was bought for the price of £168.
Phar Lap won 37 of his 51 races, including the prestigious Melbourne Cup in 1930.
Phar Lap was immortalised in statues, books and films.
Phar Lap changed the way that horse racing was viewed and perceived.
Phar Lap has been honoured with a memorial at the Australian Racing Museum.
Phar Lap was the subject of a Hollywood movie in the 1950s.
Phar Lap was trained by Harry Telford.
Phar Lap was a revolutionary horse.
Phar Lap was a national icon in Australia.