Phar Lap is arguably one of the most famous and celebrated racehorses in history. He was an Australian thoroughbred racehorse who achieved an unprecedented level of success during his career in the late 1920s and early 1930s. He was so dominant that he became known as the “Wonder Horse” and was the subject of numerous books, films and other media. To this day, he is remembered as one of the greatest racehorses ever and is a symbol of national pride in Australia. This article will explore the reasons why Phar Lap is widely regarded as the best horse ever.
The Early Years
Phar Lap was foaled in 1926 and was sired by Night Raid, a stallion owned by Harry Telford. He was purchased by David Davis, a wealthy American businessman, for the sum of 160 guineas. He was trained by Telford and his jockey was Jim Pike. Phar Lap was an unremarkable two-year-old, winning only two of his five starts. However, at three, he began to show signs of greatness, winning five of his seven starts, including the prestigious Victoria Derby.
The Prime Years
Phar Lap’s prime years were from 1929 to 1932. In this period, he won 19 of his 21 starts, including the Melbourne Cup, the Sydney Cup and the Cox Plate. He also won the AJC Derby, the VRC St. Ledger, the VRC Oaks and the Caulfield Cup. He was so dominant that he was rarely challenged by his rivals, often winning by huge margins. His victories were a huge source of pride for the Australian public, who embraced him as a national hero.
The Final Race
In 1932, Phar Lap was sent to the United States to compete in the Agua Caliente Handicap. He was the clear favourite and won the race by a staggering eight lengths. Unfortunately, he contracted a mysterious illness shortly after the race and died a few days later. His death remains a mystery to this day, with some believing he was poisoned by gangsters.
The Legacy of Phar Lap
Phar Lap’s legacy lives on to this day. He is widely remembered as the greatest racehorse ever and is a symbol of national pride in Australia. His statue stands proudly in Melbourne’s Flemington Racecourse, and there are numerous books, films and other media about him. He even has a museum dedicated to him in Melbourne, which celebrates his achievements.
The Records Set by Phar Lap
Phar Lap set numerous records during his career, some of which still stand today. He was the only horse to ever win the Melbourne Cup, the AJC Derby and the Cox Plate in the same year. He also set a record for the fastest mile ever run on Australian soil, and the largest winning margin in a race at the Flemington Racecourse.
The Comparisons to Other Racehorses
When comparing Phar Lap to other racehorses, it is clear that he was in a class of his own. He was far more successful than any of his contemporaries, and his records still stand today. He was so dominant that he was rarely challenged by his rivals, often winning by huge margins. He was also able to handle different surfaces, from turf to dirt, with equal success.
The Impact of Phar Lap
Phar Lap had a huge impact on the sport of horse racing, both during his lifetime and after his death. He was a symbol of national pride in Australia and helped to attract a new generation of fans to the sport. His success also helped to boost the confidence of the Australian public during the Great Depression, and his death was a source of great sadness for the nation.
The Physical Attributes of Phar Lap
Phar Lap was an impressive physical specimen, standing at 16.2 hands tall and weighing in at over 1,000 pounds. He was a chestnut colour with four white socks and had a white blaze on his face. He was also noted for having an unusually large heart, which was believed to be the source of his incredible stamina and speed.
The Personality of Phar Lap
Phar Lap was known to be a gentle and intelligent horse, with an even temperament. He was well-loved by his owners and handlers and never displayed any signs of aggression or bad behaviour. He was also very obedient and responded well to commands, making him easy to handle.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is clear that Phar Lap was one of the greatest racehorses of all time. He achieved an unprecedented level of success during his career and was a source of great pride for the Australian public. His records still stand today and his legacy lives on in books, films and other media. He was an impressive physical specimen and had a gentle, obedient personality. He was truly one of a kind, and for these reasons, he is widely regarded as the best horse ever.