New Show - Spirit of the Horse
Journey from the very beginning of the indigenous culture and the arrival of the First Fleet, through historic Bushranger times, onto the Great Australian Cattle Drives and join in a celebration of the Spirit of the Australian horse with a special tribute to Pharlap.

There are few Australian legends that have a greater reach than that of Phar Lap – Hero to a Nation. In a time of great depression, this amazing horse gave courage and hope to a nation in turmoil.

In Phar Lap’s short but illustrious career he had 37 wins from 51 starts and triumphed in the Melbourne Cup as well as North America's richest race, the Agua Caliente Handicap.

Sadly, in April 1932 Phar Lap was struck down and died from a mysterious illness. His death was suspected to be the work of gangsters, however no charges were ever laid.

Phar Lap was an absolute bargain. Purchased for only 160 guineas, which was approx US $130, and over his racing career he earned prize money of £56,425, as well as $US50,000.

Phar Lap’s most triumphant win is surely that of the Agua Caliente Handicap in 1932. The odds were stacked against him from day one. Firstly, Phar Lap had to travel to the United States via ship, an exhausting journey where he arrived in San Francisco in freezing conditions. From there he endured an 800km journey over rough roads to scorching Tijuana just to get to the big race.

Although these travels were far from the ideal race preparation, things were about to get worse. Phar Lap then experienced a painful hoof injury which required him to wear heavy bar shoes for the first time. But this amazing horse triumphed over all adversities and came from last place to win by a massive two lengths in track record time.

This astounding win cemented Phar Lap’s place not only as an Australian legend, but as a world renowned super horse. He quickly became known as the ‘Wonder Horse’ or the ‘Red Terror’ in America. However, those who loved and worked closely with Phar Lap each stood-by their own special names for him. To his trainer and part owner Harry Telford he was always known as 'Bobby' and to Jim Pike, his jockey, he was known simply as ‘Old Boy’.

The legend of Phar Lap lives on today through films, books, museum exhibits and now Australian Outback Spectacular celebrates a tribute to this amazing horse in its brand new show ‘Spirit of the Horse – A Tribute to Phar Lap’ proudly presented by R.M.Williams.

Australian Outback Spectacular

PHAR LAP FACTS:
Born: New Zealand, 4 October 1926
Died: United States of America, 5 April 1932
Race Record: 51 starts; 37 wins; 3 seconds; 2 thirds
Prize Money: £56,425, plus $50,000 (USA)
Owners: H.R. Telford and D.J. Davis
Trainer: H.R. Telford
Heritage: Night Raid—Entreaty (by Winkie)
Height: 17.1 hands
Colour: Chestnut

For bookings go to MyFun.com.au or call 133 FUN