My mum took me to see the movie when I was 12. I have always loved Pharlap’s story, rags to riches. But also very sad and tragic. When it was released in Canada, the movie showed him passing away at the end of the movie instead of the beginning which is how I believed it was shown originally. I was crying when he died. As a horse owner, I still can’t get through the movie till this day without crying. Just watching this documentary did it again 😭. I’ve watched a handful of documentaries and this was the longest interview I’ve seen of Tommy. It was lovely listening to Him talk about Bobby. They had such a special bond. RIP Tommy and Pharlap ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Imagine an animal still recognized decades after his death. What a tribute to Phar Lap. Without the horse, man's life, man's history, explorations, conquests would have been far different. A tribute to the horse, a noble animal, should be erected in all countries .
do not forget that this horse was not trained and cared for in the comfortable situation like the horses today. Seabisquit, Zenatta etc. are horses that have received more perfect training, care etc. like this horse. More will and heart had and will have little other horse more. It didn't grow up with the expectation of becoming a first class stayer. He was just a talented stallion. And he had a mania that brought him to death; not wanting to run after. I believe in the magic of this wonder horse. A horse that has not lived with all the luxury of a race horse of the new era. He is the miracle horse for me and my heart.
A moving documentary with some wonderful footage and audio. How heart lifting to see Tommy Woodcock speak about another time. Beautifully put together thank you
Rest In Peace Tommy ❤️. My great grand father and my grandfather was an up and coming horse trainer back in those early days . And my poppy would talk about you fondly (you guys were mates). I hope you are having a beer up there in heaven together . Poppy used to tell me stories about seeing Phar Lap before getting on the track . Being raised at the stables and my father being a top jockey back in his day, I love horse racing and still love hearing everything “Phar Lap”.
loved watching this film with my late dad it was one of his favorite films and im gonna make sure i get my daughter to watch it too as in my eyes phar lap is the greatest race horse ever
I’m sick to Death of People saying Our Great Pharlap was not one of the Greatest Ever I think he was no horses could beat him back in those days he wasn’t tested because they couldn’t get near him for God’s Sake I think if he was to run and be Pushed to his Limit they would have been Eating his Dust his stride was at least 25 feet or 27 like the Legendary Great Man O War not bad for a Horse you think is not Great but he Deserved a lot more but sadly he Died Forever he will join the Immortals of Racing Forever Our Greatest we here at home Love and still Love Our Pharlap
If it was up to me , Phar Lap is one of the greats of all greats , we need to remember and celebrate all of these magnificent of God’s creatures and souls!
There has been some champions in Australia, Black Caviar, Winx. They had something Phar lap never had, compassionate trainers. Running 4 days over the cups carnival.. there will never be a horse to try let that run that let alone win. 5 days on boat, 6 weeks training! Racetrack record. We can’t compare only admire.
I just watched a story that was on sky racing, with John Tapp and co. And it was claimed as we all know that he was poisoned. In actual fact so I learnt that Phar Lap died from pure exhaustion. Like you wrote Steve. 4 races over 4 days and winning. No other horse will.ever do that.
@@brentpoole9822 In 2008 samples of the hide of Phar Lap (from the Museum of Victoria) and of his mane hairs were analysed on highly specalised instrumentation in the USA. That analysis confirmed that Phar Lap had received a high dosage of an Arsenic compound approximately 30-40 hours prior to death. There are numerous reportings of this available with a search but the basic detail is common to all articles. www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/2010/05/116.shtml
What a Great Horse. He was to Australia what Seabiscuit was to America in the height of the Great Depression. The tragic end of PharLap leaves everyone full of grief and question to what might have been, Like our Great Ruffian. Now Australia holds claim to perhaps truly the greatest turf horse in history "Winx" ... No horse will ever win 33 Graded Stakes in a row. US crowns our King "Secretariat" and Queen "Zenyatta". But I would certainly be honored to curtsey to Australia's Turf Royalty.
Poor Phar Lap. I was always disgusted that he died in my country, whether by accident or foul means. My Dad mentioned him to me when I was a little girl, as Pop and I always went to the races together. Phar Lap died when my Dad was 10 months old. Miss you Daddy.
Phar Lap is my most Favorite 🏇 of all time... But what makes him thee Greatest...He was the People's Champion..Rich or Poor...A Light for them of that era..Long Live The Memories of That Champion..PHAR LAP!!!
I lost a dear horse to colic too. Never a suck day in 7 years, & then, painful gut pain that could not be quelled by painkillers. Sick at 9:00AM and PTS just after 9:20PM ….. it’s unbelievable when it happens with no prior health issues. RIP Phar Lap (Lightning) & RIP Chispa De Vida (Spark of Life). You both lived up to your names. ❤️
Bobby's unbelievable stamina and the way his trainer raced him so often and his record breaking winning feat in his Melbourne Cup week will never happen again as most trainers would get charged with animal cruelty if they tried to do it now. Do yourselves a favour and look it up
Spot on... By modern standards his feat of winning on all 4 days of the carnival is beyond comprehension. But his greatest win was as a 3 yo in the AJC Plate over 18F. There is an amazing article which describes this performance available in the Melbourne museum. At one point he was a furlong and a half in front of the rest of the field, breaking the mile and a half track record in the race. He was eased down, literally to a canter in the last half mile to win by a half dozen lengths. Some of the other competitors were clearly distressed after the race; Phar Lap had barely raised a sweat. So his 4 races in 8 days was not excessive on the horse... It was testimony to his incredible stamina and resilience. Interestingly, the article also says that even Phar Lap's amazing recuperative powers were nothing compared to the great Carbine. What a horse he must have been!
Eclipse BlaZe: Performance enhancing drugs are not legal in the United States! Especially in New York where the Belmont is run! The horse's urine is tested before and after the race. I believe the horse's feces is also tested, probably blood. If any horse wins the Triple Crown and any drugs are discovered, they are stripped of their title. I wouldn't want to be the trainer either! It's a darn shame that Par Lap was gelded. I imagine he was a handful but he might have had great offspring!
Elizabeth Bellos: So true! Seattle Slew was an American Triple Crown winner in 1977 I believe. His trainer told his owners that he needed the summer off just to be a horse. He needed rest. The training is rigorous. There was a huge hype surrounding Slew. They disregarded their trainer's recommendation. They flew him to California. He broke down! That was cruel. Especially when you are told by the man who knew him what to expect! I so love the horses, however, the more I read the less respect I have for the "Sport of Kings"!
@@lired70 sorry i read somewhere that performance enhancing drugs were used in some cases but i guess i might have read it wrong or the source was wrong
ECLIPSE BlaZe: You don't have to apologize. You are right, performance enhancing drugs were used in many race horses. It is still going on today if they can get away with it! I just read that one trainer in New Jersey gave a horse cocaine! Can you imagine? He was fined and suspended. I shudder to think what happened to the poor horse! I am sensitive about Secretariat because my gut tells me that he was not given steroids. Here is why I stand firm. Secretariat was a docile horse. You can see especially in his Triple Crown races that when the race was over, he was calm, especially with all of the hoopla going on around him. I have read about the steroids that he was accused of running on. Anabolic steroids or long acting steroids are given over a period of time. It is scientifically proven that steroids do not make a horse run faster. In fact, they are about a molecule away from testosterone! That would be like giving a horse a double dose of feel good. That is a recipe for disaster. A horse on steroids can and will kill a human! Actually, anabolic steroids are banned today. They are only allowed for a foal who is doing poorly. The foal has to be at least 6 months old to start anabolic steroid therapy. This is given to help increase the appetite. In addition to being perfectly balanced, Secretariat was a short coupled horse. This is a definite advantage when the horse races. In some of the shots, when Secretariat is racing all 4 of his feet are in the air, he is flying! I am reading about the race horse Eclipse. I think he started this whole racing frenzy?? Anyway, scientists are evaluating what makes a horse fast. For an animal as heavy as a horse it sort of defies gravity but it is the way their feet hit the air that substantiates how fast they go. That is the long of it, but the short of it is: If Secretariat allegedly was given drugs, I don't believe his jockey could have gotten close to him Check out the clips. In closing Secretariat had a 22 pound heart. That is 2 1/2 times the size of a normal thoroughbred. He metabolized oxygen differently probably more efficiently. Genetics, a big factor. His sire Bold Ruler was known for speed, Somethingroyal his Dam, her Sire Princequillo was know for long distance. I know genetics are a crap shoot, Secretariat just happened to get it all! These are my beliefs and I'm sticking to them! Secretariat's attributes far outweigh any drug that he allegedly may have been given!
Tommy, it doesn't matter how many ways you protected Pharlap, your Bobby.......if you had to be cruel to be kind by stopping the racing industry from using Pharlap as just a money maker, I don't blame you. You saved a miraculous horse from many years of human abuse.
In my humble opinion, the greatest of all time. From a background of not much at all, Phar Lap always know where the line was. He was indeed the peoples champion.
It’s amusing to listen to videos or read comments about Phar Lap, claiming he was the greatest horse of all time. What actual evidence does anyone give to make that statement? None. Well here's some: Secretariat never ran a 3200 metre race (the length of the Melbourne Cup, which Phar Lap won in 3:27 in 1930), but if he had, he would have bested that 1930 time by AT LEAST 8 seconds. The track record for the Melbourne is 3:16:30 set by Kingston Rule who was Secretariat’s son!! When Secretariat won the Belmont, he ran each furlong faster than the previous one. In other words, he was accelerating throughout the entire race! He won the Canadian International in 2:41, which is 2615 metres. To win the Melbourne, Secretariat would have to run 600 metres farther. Even if Secretariat had tired slightly and run this last 600 metres at 16 metres per second, his time would have been in the 3:17-3:18 range. Not as good as Kingston Rule, but close. In a hypothetical matchup at 3200 metres, Phar Lap would have lost to Secretariat by 25-30 lengths, no question. And Ron Turcotte's lighter weight than Phar Lap's jockey (130 lbs to 138 lbs) wouldn't make much of a difference.
Secretariat ran the Belmont in 2.24 seconds. That record still stands today! He won by 33 lengths and was going approximately 40 miles an hour! He did have the largest heart weighing in at 22 pounds! He had a bigger engine! How his jockey Ron Turcotte ever stayed on that horse is beyond me. If you look closely at the Belmont race, he was never even cropped! Sham was a close contender, it seemed that when Secretariat went around a curve, he just went faster. I stand firm. Phar Lap would not have beaten him, however, what was done to him is just plain cruel! He was fast and a beauty for sure. May they both RIP!
One could go on forever about who was the greatest horse in history. But one thing that can be said for certain is that no horse in history was more loved than Phar Lap.
But did Secretariat ever run and win 4 races in 4 consecutive days? They were both great horses and both legends of the track. It’s easy to sit here and say one was better than the other, but there are too many variables and where one horse achieved one great feat, the other achieved his own in a different scenario. Phar Lap was and is so loved because he was an underdog. He was bought for a song and was owned and trained by fairly ordinary people who’s lives were forever changed for knowing him. Secretariat’s story was very different. He was born into money and had the best of everything from day one. He had few obstacles to overcome. That’s not to say he was any less impressive or capable, but you can see why, in a Great Depression, Phar Lap inspired a nation. He came from nothing, overcame the odds and many challenges - not to mention an attempted assassination. And he had an uncanny relationship with his handler. Bobby, as he was called around the stable, was more than a race winning horse. He was a symbol of hope for a country in despair.
as an American, a BLACK AMERICAN btw, i think its highly unprofessional and incredibly ignorant 4 Americans to diminish Phar Lap, and for that matter the accomplishments of any superstar from Australia / New Zealand/ Europe ...smart people know that this was a fine racehorse ; And its quite conceivable that many US /Canadian stars would get swallowed up in GROUP 1 events overseas , especially @ longer distances, given the decline of stamina based races in America which have been shortened, something that hasnt happened in Europe / Australia,where the distance of the major route / classic races have remained intact ....nice documentary, great horse 🏇
c simms: I am an American. IMHO because Phar Lap was such a durable and talented horse dare I say that he was killed because of his talent! FYI, I am a huge Secretariat fan. However, when you hear about Phar Lap's story, and watch his races how can you not be in awe? Granted Phar Lap and Secretariat were decades apart. However, they were both beautiful chestnut equine athletes. May they both RIP!
Australia is very short distance otientated also now. Alot of our stayers are european bred and brought across for our staying races like the melbourne cup
Kind words but you didn't have to tell us you were black btw,we're aussies we dont care its your passion for sport is all we care about and Australia and the usa and the poms are great sporting nations and i love the rivalry and tge banter between the countries.Ive watched films about secretariat and sea biscuit and was enthralled by the story of tge underdog winning.This is just something to think about as you cabt compare different horses from different periods but its fun to ponder.Australia has also benefitted from usa stallions so there's alway a link there,you only have to look at zenyatta and winx being half sisters,they were the best of their generation,but thanks for your words and thoughts appreciated
I grew up in a racing family and I am lucky to remember going on Saturday mornings down to Epsom training track in Melb in the lat 70s early 80s and talking to Tommy Woodcock. He was a true gentleman. When Reckless was in the Melb Cup I couldn't watch the race cause so anxious for him to win. I hid in the backyard until it was over.
I'm going to get slammed for this, but how can AU/NZ citizens say they love this horse when his hide is in one museum, his skeleton in another and his heart in a third?? Phar Lap was a magnificent horse and deserved better after his death than to be ripped apart and parcelled out like a cow carcass!
I don't like it either, it they had to put him in a museum they should've put the whole body in one place and give him some peace. But it's too late now, can't put him back together now. That's almost sadder for me.
I remember reading about a three-horse race with Amounis and Night March. If someone could help me with this I would be appreciative. They said that he would have beaten a few times for races such as the Sydney and Brisbane Cups. There is something special about a horse that can make me cry.
Great horse, just learning a little about him. Phar Lap, much loved horse in Australia, was special. Aussie trained, 🇦🇺🇦🇺 Kiwi born 🇳🇿 🇳🇿, what a combination🐎🐎🥇
@@chchch159 Could not find a NZ flag small enough such was the contribution of the Kiwi. Rather sadly the only time they wanted to know about him was after his wonderful feats. Did not start one race in NZ.
@@flamingfrancis And it was Tommy Woodcock that got Phar Lap going ! Tommy was able to get into the horses mind and taught Phar Lap to come from behind and overtake all the others which resulted in Phar Lap wanting to win, thundering past and totally blitzing the field !!!
God bless his Tommy Woodcock's wonderful heart. He was in large part responsible for making Phar Lap one of the best and most loved horses in history when the world most needed it, and it was because of his dedication. love and devotion to a horse he knew could be an incredible winner. And he was right.
I find that sadly believable. Phar lap had multiple assassination attempts by greedy humans scared of losing money because Phar lap would upset things.
Yes, and had another start two days after winning with 63kg and won again. He won the Cox Plate, McKinnon and Melbourne Cup within a swoop of 5 starts for 5 wins over 15 days. Unheard of.
@@marknorris1381 Readers who are unfmiliar with his remarkable feaats need only refer to the complete compilation of all of his races to be found with a search. Wikipedia list them all.
For a horse to run as often as he did and then set a record when shipped to America without the need training is quite an accomplishment. There is no question he would have been much better with today's training techniques. Honestly, there will never be a horse to come close to equaling Secretariat.
Are secretariat carried around 8 stone pharlap about 11.5 stone! Most people dont realize this! Secretariat was 1.2 seconds quicker but you add all the extra weight that is illegal in modern times he would be alot slower than pharlap! Sorry to tell you the bad news but its simply a fact! Ask secretaries owners who would win between secretariat and phar lap they would tell you phar lap is the fastest horse ever! And did you no phar laps bloodline is from england and secretariat comes from the same parents bloodline! So secretariats grand parents are from pharlaps! Wonder why secretariats owners chose to buy a horse from phar laps blood line! They would tell you why?? Pretty amazing!!
I Do NOT Believe That It Was Fair At All For Phar Lap To Have Weights Being Added To Him All of The Time Just Because He Was Naturally Faster Than The Other Horses! That Sounds To me Like The Other Horse Owners Were Just Sore Losers & Cheaters To Do That To Poor Little Phar Lap! Let a Horse Win or Lose On His or Her Own Merits, With NO CHEATING!
@@tonylove4800 , Do They HANDICAP The Olympians In The Olympics To Try To Make It Easier & More Fair For The SLOWER & WEAKER Olympians, OR IS IT LET The BEST OLYMPIAN WIN, FAIR & SQUARE? Next Time You Compete Be Sure To Put a HANDICAP On Yourself To Make It Easier & More Fair For Your SLOWER & WEAKER OPPONENT, SO THAT They CAN BEAT You!
I'd assumed some racing knowledge on this site. That's OK. Frankel, Winx, Secretariat etc avoided handicaps like the plague. And so could Phar Lap. There was absolutely no reason he could not have stuck to weight for age. Of course, at amateur level in most sports (golf the obvious example) handicaps are common. The ultimate (Olympic level) in racing is weight for age and that is not a handicap.
I met Tommy he came to our school in 1983 i was a young kid and he talk about phar lap and stick in my heart even today when i am 50 and i do my best few my life as tommy did and for me to treat any animal the good way as Pharlap now they both gone they are in heaven going around there paddorks and winning races in Heaven yes we got good horses and winning races but they not like pharlap when he was winning horses races in the 1930,s.
Phar Lap has to shared. born in Timaru, Aotearoa New Zealand and loved by two nations, his skeleton is in Wellington museum and an amazing statue in Timaru. Yes Aussie we are happy to share the legend, But you can't claim Kiwi the 1983 Cup winner, unlike Phar Lap proof that great things can come in small packages.
I literally lost my mind, sobbed like a baby watching the movie about this incredible amazing GOD's creature, who loved and was so loved by so many! Heck this video just started and here I go with the flipping waterworks........
On the last day of the 1930 carnival Phar Lap lining up for his 4 start in 8 days . in the mounting the punters yelled "Hungry Harry" as Telford legged Pike into the saddle
I believe it was poisoning through and through. At that stage of Pharlaps career he was unimpeachable. Everyone knew that and he was able to recover from every injury he suffered. He was a fighter. Colic, yeah right. That doctor was fucking PAID son. Come at me if u want i know I'm right.
The story of Tommy staying with him on the boat ride gets me every time sounds like hell, and how am I only just finding out there is a PS4 game of Phar Lap?
Pharlaps parents were from England so his bloodline is from England and secretariat came from the same bloodline! So harry bought pharlap because of carbines blood and secretariat was bought for pharlaps blood! Not many people no this! But pharlap was raised up, raced and trained in Australia! He is an Australian horse from English bloodline!! I believe pharlaps parents were shipped to new Zealand and pharlap was born of those parents in new Zealand then pharlap was shipped to Australia but if any country was to claim pharlap its the english!!
What a sad death Phar lap had. I hope that humans did not poison him on purpose! How sad and tragic for Tommy to have that experience of Phar lap dying in his arms. It does sound like a suspicious death.
He was a new zealand bred horse so yes he was a new zealander but he was an australian champion and australian trained so therefore he is an australian racehorse that was born and bred in NZ
Yea, a new zealand bred horse that was starved and beaten like a dog while just a foal arriving in Australia with his balls chopped off in a bodged attempt that had to be corrected. Boils on his mouth and sores all over his body looking more like a dehydrated camel. Great Effort New Zealand!
@Teapot Inc they? Did all of NZ abuse that animal or one or 2 people who owned him do you blame all of Australia for 1 persons wrong doing. Be careful who you aim that gun at because it can always be pointed at you
I enjoyed the video but I hate it when someone who has a heavy accent that I can't understand as I'm an American and the subtitles aren't spelled correctly! It is really disappointing that I couldn't understand all that was been said. And as I said if you're going to have subtitles caption whatever you want to call them at least have the subtitles caption spelled correctly because even they are wrong it was really irritating! I mean through the whole entire video they didn't even spell the horse's name correctly! And he was a magnificent horse I wish I could have enjoyed the video with the correct spelling on the captions! So disappointing.
Might have been interesting had he lived what else would have achieved, racing against Peter Pan a couple of years later, (if wasn't totally burnt out by then), but there is an old saying they died at the right time, as ironically it can give them immortality and remembered forever
Another poor magnificent, creature of nature ,with a wonderful heart ,being abused, for monetary gains , thank the creator ,this wonderful animal had Tommy woodcock to love him , may they always now be together forever , in a much kinda place, may they both live in peace.
CS RR we don't need to know your black. This channel is about horses. And I havent met to many Thoroughbred enthusiasts who don't know or like Phar Lap. Besides there arent any BLACK AMERICANS!. Just like Im not a GRECO AMERICAN or TURKISH AMERICAN ECT. WE'RE ALL ( JUST) AMERICAN! Again this channel is about horses. He is a good horse. It's a shame People ( all over ) the world are Greedy & Uncaring for anything or anyone except themselves.
You can't speak for that man and you havnt been through the black experience in America that's what's wrong with Europeans y'all are to fucking arrogant. Mind your own business
Pharlap owners were not very smart. They were greedy. They didn't sense the jealousy? They were naive! I would have retired the horse and raise more race horses. He doesn't have to run or run in every race. My humble opinion.
he was not an Australian horse.... he was bred and born in New Zealand, so he was New Zealands greatest Horse. Don't forget, the Australians tried to kill him by attempting to shoot him and they also put so much weight on him so he would lose and break down..... yes the famous Mr McKinnon did that.
Reever: Here is something that I have learned. My aunt passed away from Bile Duct Cancer. She was 93! Upon reading her death certificate her cause of death was the stopping of her heart! In America I think that everybody succumbs from a stopped heart. I believe it would be the same for a horse!
@@lired70 . But Phar Lap wasn't 93. I meant carrying those outrageous weights continuously in stayer distances must have had some taxing effect on the heart. 61 kg is rarely seen here. Poor hurdlers/jumpers carry near 70kg & travel miles. And with that dangerous Fowler's Solution if that was the case. Bad combination. Was reading was recommendsd for asthma. Could be why some in racing then thought well of it. Airways advantage maybe.
Reever: IMHO, how they raced Phar Lap with all of those weights was just wrong on so many levels. I know that it was done to a lot of horses, Man O War being one of them. Phar Lap was only 7 when he died. I'm not saying that a heart attack could have been impossible, but from what I've read the horse seemed to be in terrible distress! Heart attacks are usually fast. From what was discovered in 2005 from the hairs of Phar Lap's mane, the copious amounts of arsenic that was ingested, was ingested 30-40 hours prior to death. I think that would have explained his unusual distress. Have you ever heard of roaring? In the 1700's a race horse by the name of Pocahontas had it. Many horses had it at the time. It made them slower, and they made a horrible sound upon breathing. Well, it is the closing of the larynx! These horses really couldn't race and breath! Today, there is medication for it. Back then they were taken out of racing. Pocahontas was taken out to become a broodmare. It is believed that she is responsible for passing the large heart gene or the X chromosome! I think that if Phar Lap had roaring, it would have been obvious. But I understand what you are conveying with the extra weight that he had to endure. It could have made him short of breath? In any event, this racing beauty did not deserve his end!
@@lired70 . For my money those inconsiderate huge weights to try stop his phenomonal abilitý Phar Lap waß forced to take, at lightening speed for 2 miles, would have, you could expèct! Intolerable expectations on any hèart. Wìth corrosive àrsenic elements too. Prob. his closest race competitor was gifted with only 57,58 kg, not 68 kg. Every unkind 1 kg rise is meant to be felt under saddle. Most champions 'come unstuck' over distance, ģiven even a dreaded 60kg.
Reever : What was done to Phar Lap was so wrong on so many levels! Agreed, I can see how so much added weight could have damaged his heart, and for what? Phar Lap had nothing to prove, he was great on his own. I know that was many years ago, but you know that IMHO, I don't think that racing has gotten any better! They may not be throwing added weights on horses, but there are other horrific things being done to them. I am very much old school when it comes to animals. I probably had this drilled in my head by my father, who broke feral horses in the army. I remember when I got my first dog. I was maybe 5 years old. I was not allowed to eat before the dog was fed! He always said that the animal can't go and get it for himself! I always was mindful of that. For horses it was always quality oats and hay! Grooming and walking them even if they weren't run! If we would just get back to basics, I truly believe that we will see the horses of yesteryear. Genetics takes time and patience. In America I have read where they are even designing thoroughbreds in utero! Mad Science? At this rate we will never see the likes of the greats! IMHO, it is just like adding weight to Phar Lap, cruel and unusual. In closing, what you say makes sense. Phar Lap's health was probably compromised in so many ways! May he R.I.P.
strange i do not own a horse never did , never ride one either , i lived about 4 miles from a Horse race track which i did go few times maybe like 3 times as a kid and it was boring all i remember paper tickets all over the grounds ...caos of people. once i went on the back of a carrier with a friend for a ride scare the crap out of me i want get off fast .! but i get so emotional about horses stories i have this feelings like if i ever would pick a horse it would be a champion LOL well i am kind old now dont think is ever gonna happen me finding a champion horse to run a race at Kentucky Derby
I believe the horse died of Colic from eating grass and loosen which has happened more often than you might think,he wasn't used to it.For all we know he ate a bee and was stung in the throat and had an allergic reaction,I just don't buy the poisoning angle.
@Wayneo1269, If you Wiki Phar Lap, you will read that I believe in 2008, it was announced after 6 hairs were removed from Phar Lap's mane and analyzed in Chicago. It is stated that minus the arsenic used for taxidermy, Phar Lap had ingested 30-40 hours before his death, copious amounts of arsenic! How it got there I believe the doctors know, however, it is still considered speculation. Rather strange that he died on his birthday, which is 10/4, the same day that Secretariat was euthanized in 1989. Yes, arsenic poisoning and colic resemble the same symptoms! Also look up Fowler's Solution!
He had arsenic in his system. He was poisoned. The report is available to read. He was murdered. End of story. I visit him regularly at the Melbourne Museum where he stands proudly in permanent exhibition.
wayneo1269 . The lucerne theory was the latest theory that replaced woodcock'arsenic potion. Said to have stopped at a paddock with lucerne. Now I've heard he carried 68 kg. In Melb. Cup 1931 & Unordinary excess weight impost in Most other races, I believe contributed to a heart attack eventually. With or without the added impost of arsenic in his system.
@@lired70 phar lap died on the 5th of april not the 4th of october, so he actually died 6 months before his birthday. And the arsenic got in his system because woodcock was under orders from telford to give him a special tonic that included small amounts of arsenic, and one theory by woodcock was that he may have accidentally added too much arsenic and caused his death, which is why he told that theory to his close friend and told him not to reveal that story until his death. Because i guess he might have thought there would be alot of people angry at him but if that is how he died then its not his fault, its telfords for making up that tonic. But i believe it was colic from the lucerne field theory.
Eclipse BlaZe: Many thanks for correcting me on the date that Phar Lap passed. However, I did read it somewhere and thought it odd! It is horrible that an animal has to die. I know there were many theories, however in 2008, 6 hairs were taken from his mane and sent to 3 different labs. One being in the United States. They all confirmed that it was arsenic poisoning! I don't think for a second that Woodcock caused his death. You could see how much these 2 meant to each other! When 3 labs with state of the art machines say that Phar Lap died of copious amounts of arsenic I think that I have to believe that. Some types of colic and arsenic poisoning have very similar symptoms. However, the arsenic theory really isn't a theory from what I have read. In any event, may Phar Lap and Tommy Woodcock RIP.
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My mum took me to see the movie when I was 12. I have always loved Pharlap’s story, rags to riches. But also very sad and tragic. When it was released in Canada, the movie showed him passing away at the end of the movie instead of the beginning which is how I believed it was shown originally. I was crying when he died. As a horse owner, I still can’t get through the movie till this day without crying. Just watching this documentary did it again 😭. I’ve watched a handful of documentaries and this was the longest interview I’ve seen of Tommy. It was lovely listening to Him talk about Bobby. They had such a special bond. RIP Tommy and Pharlap ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
One of the great ones for sure
The movie started my obsession with horses as a child.
❤
Imagine an animal still recognized decades after his death. What a tribute to Phar Lap. Without the horse, man's life, man's history, explorations, conquests would have been far different. A tribute to the horse, a noble animal, should be erected in all countries .
"A horse! A horse! My kingdom for a horse!"
King Richard III
Phar Lap's the greatest horse to have raced in Australia.
Mark Norris he lays claim to the GOAT IMO.
The horse, the chicken,the cat and the dog. All 4 were the pillars of society.
do not forget that this horse was not trained and cared for in the comfortable situation like the horses today. Seabisquit, Zenatta etc. are horses that have received more perfect training, care etc. like this horse. More will and heart had and will have little other horse more. It didn't grow up with the expectation of becoming a first class stayer. He was just a talented stallion. And he had a mania that brought him to death; not wanting to run after. I believe in the magic of this wonder horse. A horse that has not lived with all the luxury of a race horse of the new era. He is the miracle horse for me and my heart.
A moving documentary with some wonderful footage and audio. How heart lifting to see Tommy Woodcock speak about another time. Beautifully put together thank you
Rest In Peace Tommy ❤️. My great grand father and my grandfather was an up and coming horse trainer back in those early days . And my poppy would talk about you fondly (you guys were mates). I hope you are having a beer up there in heaven together .
Poppy used to tell me stories about seeing Phar Lap before getting on the track .
Being raised at the stables and my father being a top jockey back in his day, I love horse racing and still love hearing everything “Phar Lap”.
loved watching this film with my late dad it was one of his favorite films and im gonna make sure i get my daughter to watch it too as in my eyes phar lap is the greatest race horse ever
I’m sick to Death of People saying Our Great Pharlap was not one of the Greatest Ever I think he was no horses could beat him back in those days he wasn’t tested because they couldn’t get near him for God’s Sake I think if he was to run and be Pushed to his Limit they would have been Eating his Dust his stride was at least 25 feet or 27 like the Legendary Great Man O War not bad for a Horse you think is not Great but he Deserved a lot more but sadly he Died Forever he will join the Immortals of Racing Forever Our Greatest we here at home Love and still Love Our Pharlap
Sir your right,
I’ve read loads on all the great horses over the years and phar lap was the the greatest race horse ever fact
Well said..
It's Phar Lap, not Pharlap ya turnip.
If it was up to me , Phar Lap is one of the greats of all greats , we need to remember and celebrate all of these magnificent of God’s creatures and souls!
You wonder what Phar Lap would have accomplished if he hadn’t been brought to the United States. Such a loss to racing. Phar Lap was magnificent.
That was one champion unstoppable force of a horse!! Great documentary on Pharlap.The 80s movie was a great example of the performance that horse
Yes it was a lovely movie and a heartbreaking movie
There has been some champions in Australia, Black Caviar, Winx. They had something Phar lap never had, compassionate trainers.
Running 4 days over the cups carnival.. there will never be a horse to try let that run that let alone win.
5 days on boat, 6 weeks training! Racetrack record.
We can’t compare only admire.
Ever herd of the Australian race horse called Archer.
I just watched a story that was on sky racing, with John Tapp and co. And it was claimed as we all know that he was poisoned. In actual fact so I learnt that Phar Lap died from pure exhaustion.
Like you wrote Steve. 4 races over 4 days and winning. No other horse will.ever do that.
Man’s greed destroys all things eventually, especially horses.
@@brentpoole9822 In 2008 samples of the hide of Phar Lap (from the Museum of Victoria) and of his mane hairs were analysed on highly specalised instrumentation in the USA. That analysis confirmed that Phar Lap had received a high dosage of an Arsenic compound approximately 30-40 hours prior to death.
There are numerous reportings of this available with a search but the basic detail is common to all articles. www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/2010/05/116.shtml
@@flamingfrancis poor horse.. i believed he was poisoned.. 😭😭😭
A beautiful story about a wonderful horse. The movie is excellent
What a Great Horse. He was to Australia what Seabiscuit was to America in the height of the Great Depression.
The tragic end of PharLap leaves everyone full of grief and question to what might have been, Like our Great Ruffian.
Now Australia holds claim to perhaps truly the greatest turf horse in history "Winx" ...
No horse will ever win 33 Graded Stakes in a row.
US crowns our King "Secretariat" and Queen "Zenyatta".
But I would certainly be honored to curtsey to Australia's Turf Royalty.
Black caviar was amazing As well. Zenyatta and Winx are actually sisters so no surprise there that they were both so talented!
No the King is the great Man O' War and the Queen is Ruffian, the Queen Mum is Lady's Secret LOL.
@@poetryinmotionrhandphedits6046 yep Street Cry was well represented. For sure.
He was a Kiwi
Poor Phar Lap. I was always disgusted that he died in my country, whether by accident or foul means. My Dad mentioned him to me when I was a little girl, as Pop and I always went to the races together. Phar Lap died when my Dad was 10 months old. Miss you Daddy.
Poor Phar Lap. He was amazing and had a beautiful spirit.
Phar Lap is my most Favorite 🏇 of all time... But what makes him thee Greatest...He was the People's Champion..Rich or Poor...A Light for them of that era..Long Live The Memories of That Champion..PHAR LAP!!!
Correct. People will always argue over who was the best, but no horse was more loved than Phar Lap.
Seabiscuit!
I lost a dear horse to colic too. Never a suck day in 7 years, & then, painful gut pain that could not be quelled by painkillers. Sick at 9:00AM and PTS just after 9:20PM ….. it’s unbelievable when it happens with no prior health issues. RIP Phar Lap (Lightning) & RIP Chispa De Vida (Spark of Life). You both lived up to your names. ❤️
Bobby's unbelievable stamina and the way his trainer raced him so often and his record breaking winning feat in his Melbourne Cup week will never happen again as most trainers would get charged with animal cruelty if they tried to do it now. Do yourselves a favour and look it up
Spot on... By modern standards his feat of winning on all 4 days of the carnival is beyond comprehension. But his greatest win was as a 3 yo in the AJC Plate over 18F. There is an amazing article which describes this performance available in the Melbourne museum. At one point he was a furlong and a half in front of the rest of the field, breaking the mile and a half track record in the race. He was eased down, literally to a canter in the last half mile to win by a half dozen lengths. Some of the other competitors were clearly distressed after the race; Phar Lap had barely raised a sweat. So his 4 races in 8 days was not excessive on the horse... It was testimony to his incredible stamina and resilience. Interestingly, the article also says that even Phar Lap's amazing recuperative powers were nothing compared to the great Carbine. What a horse he must have been!
Eclipse BlaZe: Performance enhancing drugs are not legal in the United States! Especially in New York where the Belmont is run! The horse's urine is tested before and after the race. I believe the horse's feces is also tested, probably blood. If any horse wins the Triple Crown and any drugs are discovered, they are stripped of their title. I wouldn't want to be the trainer either! It's a darn shame that Par Lap was gelded. I imagine he was a handful but he might have had great offspring!
Elizabeth Bellos: So true! Seattle Slew was an American Triple Crown winner in 1977 I believe. His trainer told his owners that he needed the summer off just to be a horse. He needed rest. The training is rigorous. There was a huge hype surrounding Slew. They disregarded their trainer's recommendation. They flew him to California. He broke down! That was cruel. Especially when you are told by the man who knew him what to expect! I so love the horses, however, the more I read the less respect I have for the "Sport of Kings"!
@@lired70 sorry i read somewhere that performance enhancing drugs were used in some cases but i guess i might have read it wrong or the source was wrong
ECLIPSE BlaZe: You don't have to apologize. You are right, performance enhancing drugs were used in many race horses. It is still going on today if they can get away with it! I just read that one trainer in New Jersey gave a horse cocaine! Can you imagine? He was fined and suspended. I shudder to think what happened to the poor horse! I am sensitive about Secretariat because my gut tells me that he was not given steroids. Here is why I stand firm. Secretariat was a docile horse. You can see especially in his Triple Crown races that when the race was over, he was calm, especially with all of the hoopla going on around him. I have read about the steroids that he was accused of running on. Anabolic steroids or long acting steroids are given over a period of time. It is scientifically proven that steroids do not make a horse run faster. In fact, they are about a molecule away from testosterone! That would be like giving a horse a double dose of feel good. That is a recipe for disaster. A horse on steroids can and will kill a human! Actually, anabolic steroids are banned today. They are only allowed for a foal who is doing poorly. The foal has to be at least 6 months old to start anabolic steroid therapy. This is given to help increase the appetite. In addition to being perfectly balanced, Secretariat was a short coupled horse. This is a definite advantage when the horse races. In some of the shots, when Secretariat is racing all 4 of his feet are in the air, he is flying! I am reading about the race horse Eclipse. I think he started this whole racing frenzy?? Anyway, scientists are evaluating what makes a horse fast. For an animal as heavy as a horse it sort of defies gravity but it is the way their feet hit the air that substantiates how fast they go. That is the long of it, but the short of it is: If Secretariat allegedly was given drugs, I don't believe his jockey could have gotten close to him Check out the clips. In closing Secretariat had a 22 pound heart. That is 2 1/2 times the size of a normal thoroughbred. He metabolized oxygen differently probably more efficiently. Genetics, a big factor. His sire Bold Ruler was known for speed, Somethingroyal his Dam, her Sire Princequillo was know for long distance. I know genetics are a crap shoot, Secretariat just happened to get it all! These are my beliefs and I'm sticking to them! Secretariat's attributes far outweigh any drug that he allegedly may have been given!
Tommy, it doesn't matter how many ways you protected Pharlap, your Bobby.......if you had to be cruel to be kind by stopping the racing industry from using Pharlap as just a money maker, I don't blame you.
You saved a miraculous horse from many years of human abuse.
Outstanding and accurate, thank you for posting
In my humble opinion, the greatest of all time. From a background of not much at all, Phar Lap always know where the line was. He was indeed the peoples champion.
It’s amusing to listen to videos or read comments about Phar Lap, claiming he was the greatest horse of all time. What actual evidence does anyone give to make that statement? None. Well here's some: Secretariat never ran a 3200 metre race (the length of the Melbourne Cup, which Phar Lap won in 3:27 in 1930), but if he had, he would have bested that 1930 time by AT LEAST 8 seconds. The track record for the Melbourne is 3:16:30 set by Kingston Rule who was Secretariat’s son!! When Secretariat won the Belmont, he ran each furlong faster than the previous one. In other words, he was accelerating throughout the entire race! He won the Canadian International in 2:41, which is 2615 metres. To win the Melbourne, Secretariat would have to run 600 metres farther. Even if Secretariat had tired slightly and run this last 600 metres at 16 metres per second, his time would have been in the 3:17-3:18 range. Not as good as Kingston Rule, but close. In a hypothetical matchup at 3200 metres, Phar Lap would have lost to Secretariat by 25-30 lengths, no question. And Ron Turcotte's lighter weight than Phar Lap's jockey (130 lbs to 138 lbs) wouldn't make much of a difference.
Secretariat ran the Belmont in 2.24 seconds. That record still stands today! He won by 33 lengths and was going approximately 40 miles an hour! He did have the largest heart weighing in at 22 pounds! He had a bigger engine! How his jockey Ron Turcotte ever stayed on that horse is beyond me. If you look closely at the Belmont race, he was never even cropped! Sham was a close contender, it seemed that when Secretariat went around a curve, he just went faster. I stand firm. Phar Lap would not have beaten him, however, what was done to him is just plain cruel! He was fast and a beauty for sure. May they both RIP!
Adrian Connew no horse will ever beat phar laps record.
One could go on forever about who was the greatest horse in history. But one thing that can be said for certain is that no horse in history was more loved than Phar Lap.
But did Secretariat ever run and win 4 races in 4 consecutive days?
They were both great horses and both legends of the track. It’s easy to sit here and say one was better than the other, but there are too many variables and where one horse achieved one great feat, the other achieved his own in a different scenario.
Phar Lap was and is so loved because he was an underdog. He was bought for a song and was owned and trained by fairly ordinary people who’s lives were forever changed for knowing him.
Secretariat’s story was very different. He was born into money and had the best of everything from day one. He had few obstacles to overcome. That’s not to say he was any less impressive or capable, but you can see why, in a Great Depression, Phar Lap inspired a nation. He came from nothing, overcame the odds and many challenges - not to mention an attempted assassination. And he had an uncanny relationship with his handler. Bobby, as he was called around the stable, was more than a race winning horse. He was a symbol of hope for a country in despair.
as an American, a BLACK AMERICAN btw, i think its highly unprofessional and incredibly ignorant 4 Americans to diminish Phar Lap, and for that matter the accomplishments of any superstar from Australia / New Zealand/ Europe ...smart people know that this was a fine racehorse ; And its quite conceivable that many US /Canadian stars would get swallowed up in GROUP 1 events overseas , especially @ longer distances, given the decline of stamina based races in America which have been shortened, something that hasnt happened in Europe / Australia,where the distance of the major route / classic races have remained intact ....nice documentary, great horse 🏇
c simms: I am an American. IMHO because Phar Lap was such a durable and talented horse dare I say that he was killed because of his talent! FYI, I am a huge Secretariat fan. However, when you hear about Phar Lap's story, and watch his races how can you not be in awe? Granted Phar Lap and Secretariat were decades apart. However, they were both beautiful chestnut equine athletes. May they both RIP!
Australia is very short distance otientated also now. Alot of our stayers are european bred and brought across for our staying races like the melbourne cup
Why did you have to emphasize your race ?
@@Wally-pu2hh There are only two races. The human race and the horse race. The horse race is much more entertaining IMO.
Kind words but you didn't have to tell us you were black btw,we're aussies we dont care its your passion for sport is all we care about and Australia and the usa and the poms are great sporting nations and i love the rivalry and tge banter between the countries.Ive watched films about secretariat and sea biscuit and was enthralled by the story of tge underdog winning.This is just something to think about as you cabt compare different horses from different periods but its fun to ponder.Australia has also benefitted from usa stallions so there's alway a link there,you only have to look at zenyatta and winx being half sisters,they were the best of their generation,but thanks for your words and thoughts appreciated
I grew up in a racing family and I am lucky to remember going on Saturday mornings down to Epsom training track in Melb in the lat 70s early 80s and talking to Tommy Woodcock. He was a true gentleman. When Reckless was in the Melb Cup I couldn't watch the race cause so anxious for him to win. I hid in the backyard until it was over.
Wow
Did you eve meet phar lap
Wow...... have u ever meet pharlap?
An awesome horse with an awesome caretaker/trainer...tommy woodcock!
They tortured that 🏇 horse because of its natural unique beauty and speed weighing him down with extra force.
".....a horse, a horse....my kingdom for a horse!"
I'm going to get slammed for this, but how can AU/NZ citizens say they love this horse when his hide is in one museum, his skeleton in another and his heart in a third?? Phar Lap was a magnificent horse and deserved better after his death than to be ripped apart and parcelled out like a cow carcass!
I don't like it either, it they had to put him in a museum they should've put the whole body in one place and give him some peace. But it's too late now, can't put him back together now. That's almost sadder for me.
And the heart is not even his...
@@scag15 I didn't know that!
I think it was so cool that tommy had reckless late in life no Phar Lap but no doubt a great thrill for such a nice man
The horse was a machine.....Simply the best ever.
Yep only the best born in New Zealand Timaru .
I remember reading about a three-horse race with Amounis and Night March. If someone could help me with this I would be appreciative. They said that he would have beaten a few times for races such as the Sydney and Brisbane Cups. There is something special about a horse that can make me cry.
The connections of the other horses knew that they couldn't bear Phar Lap. They made it a race for second place.
Beat.. best...
Great horse, just learning a little about him. Phar Lap, much loved horse in Australia, was special. Aussie trained, 🇦🇺🇦🇺 Kiwi born 🇳🇿 🇳🇿, what a combination🐎🐎🥇
Greatest horse of all time!!!
Mr.Woodley , Thank you .
Phar Lap what a legendary horse❤️🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺
Wrong flag mate 🇳🇿🇳🇿🇳🇿
@@chchch159 Could not find a NZ flag small enough such was the contribution of the Kiwi. Rather sadly the only time they wanted to know about him was after his wonderful feats. Did not start one race in NZ.
but it's a new Zealand born horse born in Timaru
@@flamingfrancis pathetic the hatred lots of Australians have for new Zealand hey all blacks and Jonah lomu 🖕
@@flamingfrancis And it was Tommy Woodcock that got Phar Lap going ! Tommy was able to get into the horses mind and taught Phar Lap to come from behind and overtake all the others which resulted in Phar Lap wanting to win, thundering past and totally blitzing the field !!!
God bless his Tommy Woodcock's wonderful heart. He was in large part responsible for making Phar Lap one of the best and most loved horses in history when the world most needed it, and it was because of his dedication. love and devotion to a horse he knew could be an incredible winner. And he was right.
that was one HELL of a horse
Thanks for posting ! The American Thoroughbred registry list his death as being from arsenic poisoning by undetermined means.
Well.
I find that sadly believable. Phar lap had multiple assassination attempts by greedy humans scared of losing money because Phar lap would upset things.
So proud he was born in my homeland. Its a shame humans are so cruel and greedy. What a cruel end this beautiful creature met
I believe when he won in 1930 he carried 63kg and in 1931 he carried 68kg 😮😮😮
Yes, and had another start two days after winning with 63kg and won again. He won the Cox Plate, McKinnon and Melbourne Cup within a swoop of 5 starts for 5 wins over 15 days. Unheard of.
So it's safe to say he would have had a few more wins under his belt if they didn't insist on weighing him down.
Yes, and in 1931 the winner carried 43.5kg.
@@marknorris1381 Readers who are unfmiliar with his remarkable feaats need only refer to the complete compilation of all of his races to be found with a search. Wikipedia list them all.
For a horse to run as often as he did and then set a record when shipped to America without the need training is quite an accomplishment. There is no question he would have been much better with today's training techniques. Honestly, there will never be a horse to come close to equaling Secretariat.
Are secretariat carried around 8 stone pharlap about 11.5 stone! Most people dont realize this! Secretariat was 1.2 seconds quicker but you add all the extra weight that is illegal in modern times he would be alot slower than pharlap! Sorry to tell you the bad news but its simply a fact! Ask secretaries owners who would win between secretariat and phar lap they would tell you phar lap is the fastest horse ever! And did you no phar laps bloodline is from england and secretariat comes from the same parents bloodline! So secretariats grand parents are from pharlaps! Wonder why secretariats owners chose to buy a horse from phar laps blood line! They would tell you why?? Pretty amazing!!
And phar lap won almost all his races at half to 3 quarter speed or a canter as they say!!
Rodney ,Respect ,but he was a natural ,with out all the stuff we use in these times ,never been hit with a whip ,just show to him and he's gone
+ cough Man O' War cough. Manno & Phar Lap carried more than Secretariat ever did as well.
It breaks my heart...
I Do NOT Believe That It Was Fair At All For Phar Lap To Have Weights Being Added To Him All of The Time Just Because He Was Naturally Faster Than The Other Horses! That Sounds To me Like The Other Horse Owners Were Just Sore Losers & Cheaters To Do That To Poor Little Phar Lap! Let a Horse Win or Lose On His or Her Own Merits, With NO CHEATING!
+fewovercomers They did the same to Man O' War. That's why his owner retired him when he was only 5yrs old.
These people were a disgrace..shame on them... i really feel sad for Pharlap.. what a magnificent horse..he is the greatest..
You obviously not a racing fan. Or a very bright human being.
@@tonylove4800 , Do They HANDICAP The Olympians In The Olympics To Try To Make It Easier & More Fair For The SLOWER & WEAKER Olympians, OR IS IT LET The BEST OLYMPIAN WIN, FAIR & SQUARE? Next Time You Compete Be Sure To Put a HANDICAP On Yourself To Make It Easier & More Fair For Your SLOWER & WEAKER OPPONENT, SO THAT They CAN BEAT You!
I'd assumed some racing knowledge on this site. That's OK. Frankel, Winx, Secretariat etc avoided handicaps like the plague. And so could Phar Lap. There was absolutely no reason he could not have stuck to weight for age. Of course, at amateur level in most sports (golf the obvious example) handicaps are common. The ultimate (Olympic level) in racing is weight for age and that is not a handicap.
One of New Zealand's finest
New Zealand's? Well his mother was but his father was born in the UK.... And you kiwis have been claiming him for years, only half kiwi...
I met Tommy he came to our school in 1983 i was a young kid and he talk about phar lap and stick in my heart even today when i am 50 and i do my best few my life as tommy did and for me to treat any animal the good way as Pharlap now they both gone they are in heaven going around there paddorks and winning races in Heaven yes we got good horses and winning races but they not like pharlap when he was winning horses races in the 1930,s.
so sad love u phalap
@Paul Gallagher I love you Paul, your so funny! 😂
Congratulations on original footage.
Phar Lap has to shared. born in Timaru, Aotearoa New Zealand and loved by two nations, his skeleton is in Wellington museum and an amazing statue in Timaru. Yes Aussie we are happy to share the legend, But you can't claim Kiwi the 1983 Cup winner, unlike Phar Lap proof that great things can come in small packages.
the greatest horse ever
I literally lost my mind, sobbed like a baby watching the movie about this incredible amazing GOD's creature, who loved and was so loved by so many! Heck this video just started and here I go with the flipping waterworks........
Michael baker was a friend of mine, his dad Jacky rode phar lap in his first race win ,armidale nsw man ..legend.
On the last day of the 1930 carnival Phar Lap lining up for his 4 start in 8 days . in the mounting the punters yelled "Hungry Harry" as Telford legged Pike into the saddle
True Kiwi champion 🏆 He gave the world a taste of Kiwi
🇳🇿🇳🇿 taking on the world kiwi wonder horse
R,R that's him they called him a Nag , could you believe that ?
Tommy Woodcock - what a gentleman.
phar lap named by the new Zealand family that owned him, phar lap is Thai for light from the sky
A true freak-of-a-horse was PharLap. A true people’s champion. He & Ruffian were my best.
9:43 Barry Humphries based Dame Edna Everage on Beryl Grimmer!
What might he have achieved if he did not pass on so soon....such a tragedy, perhaps he would have become the greatest of all time
He is the greatest of all time!!
I believe it was poisoning through and through. At that stage of Pharlaps career he was unimpeachable. Everyone knew that and he was able to recover from every injury he suffered. He was a fighter. Colic, yeah right. That doctor was fucking PAID son. Come at me if u want i know I'm right.
Definitely the peoples champ
Great movie
A great New Zealand horse
Correction the Greatest horse ever
I love him 😓😭❤
Loved this! I had thought Phar Lap was poisoned, but not true?
There's a lot of speculation about this, but I think it could be true.
Race calling in Australia has certainly come a long way since that 1930 Melbourne Cup. We have the best callers in the world .
The story of Tommy staying with him on the boat ride gets me every time sounds like hell, and how am I only just finding out there is a PS4 game of Phar Lap?
I understand. Good movie about him...
very well said the horse gets all the glory
Yip. Most kiwis do well when they move to Aussie 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
good show.
Phar Lap was a New Zealand horse, not australian.....
He was new zealand bred but an australian champion
Both countries see him as their champion though
Pharlaps parents were from England so his bloodline is from England and secretariat came from the same bloodline! So harry bought pharlap because of carbines blood and secretariat was bought for pharlaps blood! Not many people no this! But pharlap was raised up, raced and trained in Australia! He is an Australian horse from English bloodline!! I believe pharlaps parents were shipped to new Zealand and pharlap was born of those parents in new Zealand then pharlap was shipped to Australia but if any country was to claim pharlap its the english!!
@Teapot Inc what exactly did you do to help with the well being of this horse.
@@ryanbailey7007 anything else you want to calm from us mate...
Bobby xx
And Now He Stands At The Auckland Museum N.Z.🇳🇿🇳🇿🇳🇿🇳🇿
HOME
What a sad death Phar lap had. I hope that humans did not poison him on purpose! How sad and tragic for Tommy to have that experience of Phar lap dying in his arms. It does sound like a suspicious death.
Rumour was The mafia didn’t want an outsider ruining their income. The horse was from New Zealand. Ask around, he’s a Kiwi.
Pharlap is reincarnated by Secretariat! Just saying!!
He was a new zealand bred horse so yes he was a new zealander but he was an australian champion and australian trained so therefore he is an australian racehorse that was born and bred in NZ
Yea, a new zealand bred horse that was starved and beaten like a dog while just a foal arriving in Australia with his balls chopped off in a bodged attempt that had to be corrected. Boils on his mouth and sores all over his body looking more like a dehydrated camel. Great Effort New Zealand!
@@mysty0 so you are gonna try and tell people that no horses are abused in Australia. I say to that bullshit!
@Teapot Inc they? Did all of NZ abuse that animal or one or 2 people who owned him do you blame all of Australia for 1 persons wrong doing. Be careful who you aim that gun at because it can always be pointed at you
What is exact translation of his name??
Lightning in zhaung and Thai
Phat lap has New Zealand blood
Much like Secretariat, he came at a time we in America needed something to believe in.
Bob's Doctor Did It !
Amen amen say it louder for the people at the back
@@rhiannonmari1096 do you think he did it on purpose
@@warrenholly2200 probably
... sadly. He was too good and it would be helpful to get rid of him :/
@@warrenholly2200 What would have been the motive? Were insurance policies written then for the millions they are now?
Original Documentary from 2001 !!!
Colic ? No . This horse was murdered
I enjoyed the video but I hate it when someone who has a heavy accent that I can't understand as I'm an American and the subtitles aren't spelled correctly! It is really disappointing that I couldn't understand all that was been said. And as I said if you're going to have subtitles caption whatever you want to call them at least have the subtitles caption spelled correctly because even they are wrong it was really irritating! I mean through the whole entire video they didn't even spell the horse's name correctly! And he was a magnificent horse I wish I could have enjoyed the video with the correct spelling on the captions! So disappointing.
Agreed, I couldn't understand most of what the gentleman was saying. Good documentary though.
phar lap and the Pavlova, russle Crowe Fred dag, what next? Jonah lomu ?
PHAR LAP WAS KIWI BRED NEVER EVER FORGET THAT. STOP CLAIMING WHAT ISNT YOURS
Imperative,Mr Brightside,Lady Camalot.hehe
Might have been interesting had he lived what else would have achieved, racing against Peter Pan a couple of years later, (if wasn't totally burnt out by then), but there is an old saying they died at the right time, as ironically it can give them immortality and remembered forever
Another poor magnificent, creature of nature ,with a wonderful heart ,being abused, for monetary gains , thank the creator ,this wonderful animal had Tommy woodcock to love him , may they always now be together forever , in a much kinda place, may they both live in peace.
Wonderful yet so sad at the end n bless the old boy u could see what that horse meant to him all those years ago
CS RR we don't need to know your black. This channel is about horses. And I havent met to many Thoroughbred enthusiasts who don't know or like Phar Lap. Besides there arent any BLACK AMERICANS!. Just like Im not a GRECO AMERICAN or TURKISH AMERICAN ECT. WE'RE ALL ( JUST) AMERICAN! Again this channel is about horses. He is a good horse. It's a shame People ( all over ) the world are Greedy & Uncaring for anything or anyone except themselves.
You can't speak for that man and you havnt been through the black experience in America that's what's wrong with Europeans y'all are to fucking arrogant. Mind your own business
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
ฟ้าแล่บ
Phar Lap The Great Aussie 🐴
I think Tommy Woodcock poisoned Pharlap to save him. He couldn't stand what the boss's were doing to that miraculous equine.
Pharlap owners were not very smart. They were greedy. They didn't sense the jealousy? They were naive! I would have retired the horse and raise more race horses. He doesn't have to run or run in every race. My humble opinion.
@Live for SOMETHING or die for NOTHING No doubt about that.
he was not an Australian horse.... he was bred and born in New Zealand, so he was New Zealands greatest Horse. Don't forget, the Australians tried to kill him by attempting to shoot him and they also put so much weight on him so he would lose and break down..... yes the famous Mr McKinnon did that.
I believe he suffered heart damage under carrying 68 kg impost 1931 melb cup. Eventually heart attack in US. With arsenic elements also.
Reever: Here is something that I have learned. My aunt passed away from Bile Duct Cancer. She was 93! Upon reading her death certificate her cause of death was the stopping of her heart! In America I think that everybody succumbs from a stopped heart. I believe it would be the same for a horse!
@@lired70 . But Phar Lap wasn't 93. I meant carrying those outrageous weights continuously in stayer distances must have had some taxing effect on the heart. 61 kg is rarely seen here. Poor hurdlers/jumpers carry near 70kg & travel miles. And with that dangerous Fowler's Solution if that was the case. Bad combination. Was reading was recommendsd for asthma. Could be why some in racing then thought well of it. Airways advantage maybe.
Reever: IMHO, how they raced Phar Lap with all of those weights was just wrong on so many levels. I know that it was done to a lot of horses, Man O War being one of them. Phar Lap was only 7 when he died. I'm not saying that a heart attack could have been impossible, but from what I've read the horse seemed to be in terrible distress! Heart attacks are usually fast. From what was discovered in 2005 from the hairs of Phar Lap's mane, the copious amounts of arsenic that was ingested, was ingested 30-40 hours prior to death. I think that would have explained his unusual distress. Have you ever heard of roaring? In the 1700's a race horse by the name of Pocahontas had it. Many horses had it at the time. It made them slower, and they made a horrible sound upon breathing. Well, it is the closing of the larynx! These horses really couldn't race and breath! Today, there is medication for it. Back then they were taken out of racing. Pocahontas was taken out to become a broodmare. It is believed that she is responsible for passing the large heart gene or the X chromosome! I think that if Phar Lap had roaring, it would have been obvious. But I understand what you are conveying with the extra weight that he had to endure. It could have made him short of breath? In any event, this racing beauty did not deserve his end!
@@lired70 . For my money those inconsiderate huge weights to try stop his phenomonal abilitý Phar Lap waß forced to take, at lightening speed for 2 miles, would have, you could expèct! Intolerable expectations on any hèart. Wìth corrosive àrsenic elements too. Prob. his closest race competitor was gifted with only 57,58 kg, not 68 kg. Every unkind 1 kg rise is meant to be felt under saddle. Most champions 'come unstuck' over distance, ģiven even a dreaded 60kg.
Reever : What was done to Phar Lap was so wrong on so many levels! Agreed, I can see how so much added weight could have damaged his heart, and for what? Phar Lap had nothing to prove, he was great on his own. I know that was many years ago, but you know that IMHO, I don't think that racing has gotten any better! They may not be throwing added weights on horses, but there are other horrific things being done to them. I am very much old school when it comes to animals. I probably had this drilled in my head by my father, who broke feral horses in the army. I remember when I got my first dog. I was maybe 5 years old. I was not allowed to eat before the dog was fed! He always said that the animal can't go and get it for himself! I always was mindful of that. For horses it was always quality oats and hay! Grooming and walking them even if they weren't run! If we would just get back to basics, I truly believe that we will see the horses of yesteryear. Genetics takes time and patience. In America I have read where they are even designing thoroughbreds in utero! Mad Science? At this rate we will never see the likes of the greats! IMHO, it is just like adding weight to Phar Lap, cruel and unusual. In closing, what you say makes sense. Phar Lap's health was probably compromised in so many ways! May he R.I.P.
strange i do not own a horse never did , never ride one either , i lived about 4 miles from a Horse race track which i did go few times maybe like 3 times as a kid and it was boring all i remember paper tickets all over the grounds ...caos of people. once i went on the back of a carrier with a friend for a ride scare the crap out of me i want get off fast .! but i get so emotional about horses stories i have this feelings like if i ever would pick a horse it would be a champion LOL well i am kind old now dont think is ever gonna happen me finding a champion horse to run a race at Kentucky Derby
The greatest Racehorce of all time behind Kinschem.
no he was not, secretariat was, phar lap ranks 4th
The original Big Red
Theirs a myth or rumor that farlap came from a line of great War horses.
I believe the horse died of Colic from eating grass and loosen which has happened more often than you might think,he wasn't used to it.For all we know he ate a bee and was stung in the throat and had an allergic reaction,I just don't buy the poisoning angle.
@Wayneo1269, If you Wiki Phar Lap, you will read that I believe in 2008, it was announced after 6 hairs were removed from Phar Lap's mane and analyzed in Chicago. It is stated that minus the arsenic used for taxidermy, Phar Lap had ingested 30-40 hours before his death, copious amounts of arsenic! How it got there I believe the doctors know, however, it is still considered speculation. Rather strange that he died on his birthday, which is 10/4, the same day that Secretariat was euthanized in 1989. Yes, arsenic poisoning and colic resemble the same symptoms! Also look up Fowler's Solution!
He had arsenic in his system. He was poisoned. The report is available to read. He was murdered. End of story. I visit him regularly at the Melbourne Museum where he stands proudly in permanent exhibition.
wayneo1269 . The lucerne theory was the latest theory that replaced woodcock'arsenic potion. Said to have stopped at a paddock with lucerne. Now I've heard he carried 68 kg. In Melb. Cup 1931 & Unordinary excess weight impost in Most other races, I believe contributed to a heart attack eventually. With or without the added impost of arsenic in his system.
@@lired70 phar lap died on the 5th of april not the 4th of october, so he actually died 6 months before his birthday. And the arsenic got in his system because woodcock was under orders from telford to give him a special tonic that included small amounts of arsenic, and one theory by woodcock was that he may have accidentally added too much arsenic and caused his death, which is why he told that theory to his close friend and told him not to reveal that story until his death. Because i guess he might have thought there would be alot of people angry at him but if that is how he died then its not his fault, its telfords for making up that tonic. But i believe it was colic from the lucerne field theory.
Eclipse BlaZe: Many thanks for correcting me on the date that Phar Lap passed. However, I did read it somewhere and thought it odd! It is horrible that an animal has to die. I know there were many theories, however in 2008, 6 hairs were taken from his mane and sent to 3 different labs. One being in the United States. They all confirmed that it was arsenic poisoning! I don't think for a second that Woodcock caused his death. You could see how much these 2 meant to each other! When 3 labs with state of the art machines say that Phar Lap died of copious amounts of arsenic I think that I have to believe that. Some types of colic and arsenic poisoning have very similar symptoms. However, the arsenic theory really isn't a theory from what I have read. In any event, may Phar Lap and Tommy Woodcock RIP.
He was a god send for the poor ppl
28:26 mate $100,000 is a lot of money now.
Can't understand a damn word Woodcock says. The narrator's voice is also annoying as hell.
I can tell you what tom says if you like, maybe because he speaks very old school.
@Paul Gallagher You make me feel so happy 🤗
The best horse !!!!!!!!!