This is a vintage film of Australia's greatest racehorse, and one of the best in the world, the magnificent 'Phar Lap.
In his short time on the earth ( 1926-1932) Phar Lap ( nicknamed, 'Bobby', and the 'Red Terror') won two Cox Plates, a Melbourne Cup( bigger than the Kentucky derby), and 19 other weight for age races.
He was shipped by boat to Agua Caliente Racetrack in Mexico to compete in the Agua Caliente Handicap, which offered the largest purse ever raced for in North America.
Phar Lap won in track record time carrying 129 pounds, despite the arduous Boat trip of months at sea.
He was then taken up to a private ranch in Menlo, California where preparations where made to race him against the best in the United States.
It was here that a hero of a Nation died. Phar Lap, hemorrhaged to death.
Aussies always suspected the Americans poisoned him, and in 2008, thanks to modern science , it was confirmed that Australia's hero died from a massive dose of arsenic.
Phar Lap stands proud in the Melbourne museum in Australia.His body and skeleton was stuffed after his death, and it is there that many pay a pilgrimage to the 'Horse that stopped a nation', during the long dark days of the Great depression he was Australia's sunshine.
Phar Laps heart is also on display at the Melbourne Museum. Phar Lap was a freak. His heart weighs 6.2 kgs (13.6 pounds) Compared with a normal horses heart at 3.2 kg) 7 pounds
Phar Lap will NEVER be forgotten. His life was so short, we always wonder what he could have achieved if he had gone on racing. It is so amazing that a Horse who has been dead almost 80 years, can still bring many Aussies to tears.
I encourage all to watch the movie 'Phar Lap', made in the 1980's. It is a truly beautiful movie, but have the tissues ready!!