How many races did phar lap win

Achieving great success during his distinguished career, his initial underdog status gave people hope during the early years of the Great Depression. He is universally revered as one of the greatest race horses of all time, not just in Australia but in the history of Thoroughbred horse racing. One of his greatest performances was winning the Agua Caliente Handicap in Mexico in track-record time in his final race.

He was affectionately known as "Bobby" to his strapper Tommy Woodcock [ 10 ] [ 11 ] He was also sometimes referred to as "Australia's Wonder Horse. According to the Museum of Victoria , Aubrey Ping, a medical student at the University of Sydney , suggested "Farlap" as the horse's name.

How old was phar lap when he died

Ping knew the word from his father, a Zhuang-speaking Chinese immigrant. Phar Lap's trainer Harry Telford liked the name, but changed the F to PH to create a seven letter word, which was split in two in keeping with the dominant naming pattern of Melbourne Cup winners. He was by the same sire as the Melbourne Cup winner Nightmarch. He was a half-brother to another four horses, only two of which were able to win any races at all.

Davis to buy the colt at auction, based on his pedigree. Telford's brother Hugh, who lived in New Zealand, was asked to bid up to guineas at the Trentham Yearling Sales. When the horse was obtained for a mere guineas, he thought it was a great bargain until the colt arrived in Australia. The horse was gangly, his face was covered with warts, and he had an awkward gait.

Davis was furious when he saw the colt as well, and refused to pay to train the horse. Telford had not been particularly successful as a trainer, and Davis was one of his few remaining owners.