PHAR LAP
Name: Phar Lap
Died: 1932
Phar Lap, a giant chestnut thoroughbred gelding, is considered by many to be
Australia and New Zealand's greatest racehorse, and is a much loved Australian
national icon. It should be noted that many New Zealanders also claim that Phar
Lap enjoys a similarly revered status in the New Zealand consciousness. At the
time of his death in 1932, Phar Lap was the third highest stake-winner in the
world. Bookmakers offered very short odds on him, even refusing to accept any
bets on some races.
Phar Lap was born and bred in Timaru, in the South Island of New Zealand, but
never raced in that country. Following his purchase he was taken to Australia
where he dominated the racing scene during a long and distinguished racing
career.
Standing 17.1 hands, he was sometimes called "Australia's wonder horse" in that
country. He was also called "The Red Terror" and "Big Red", the same nicknames
given to two of the greatest US racehorses, Man o' War and Secretariat.
Sired by Night Raid (b United Kingdom 1918) out of dam Entreaty (b New Zealand
1920), Phar Lap was foaled in Timaru in 1926. His mounted hide is displayed at
the Melbourne Museum, his skeleton at Te Papa Tongarewa - New Zealand's National
Museum, and his heart at the National Museum of Australia in Canberra.
Name: Phar Lap
Died: 1932
Phar Lap, a giant chestnut thoroughbred gelding, is considered by many to be
Australia and New Zealand's greatest racehorse, and is a much loved Australian
national icon. It should be noted that many New Zealanders also claim that Phar
Lap enjoys a similarly revered status in the New Zealand consciousness. At the
time of his death in 1932, Phar Lap was the third highest stake-winner in the
world. Bookmakers offered very short odds on him, even refusing to accept any
bets on some races.
Phar Lap was born and bred in Timaru, in the South Island of New Zealand, but
never raced in that country. Following his purchase he was taken to Australia
where he dominated the racing scene during a long and distinguished racing
career.
Standing 17.1 hands, he was sometimes called "Australia's wonder horse" in that
country. He was also called "The Red Terror" and "Big Red", the same nicknames
given to two of the greatest US racehorses, Man o' War and Secretariat.
Sired by Night Raid (b United Kingdom 1918) out of dam Entreaty (b New Zealand
1920), Phar Lap was foaled in Timaru in 1926. His mounted hide is displayed at
the Melbourne Museum, his skeleton at Te Papa Tongarewa - New Zealand's National
Museum, and his heart at the National Museum of Australia in Canberra.