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Celebrity Sunday - Phar Lap

Our horse for the day on Sunday, 04 May 2008

Phar Lap, a giant chestnut thoroughbred gelding, is considered by many to be Australia’s and New Zealand’s greatest racehorse, and is a much loved national icon in both countries. At the time of his death in 1932, Phar Lap was the third highest stake-winner in the world. At the height of his powers, bookmakers offered very short odds on him, even refusing to accept any bets on some races.

Phar Lap was foaled on 4 October 1926 in Timaru in the South Island of New Zealand. He was sired by Night Raid (b United Kingdom 1918) out of dam Entreaty (b New Zealand 1920). However, he never raced in New Zealand; 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.

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.

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