Phar Lap was bought for 160 guineas—about $17,000 in today’s dollars—by trainer Harry Telford. What followed was one of the most dominant four-year careers in college history, where he won 37 of 51 races. In 1930 he won the country’s most coveted race—the Melbourne Cup—by three lengths. His fortunes were made on the back of the Great Depression, a time when everyday Australians were losing their homes and struggling to eat. At a time when the whole world was rocked by war, Phar Lap’s achievements on the racetrack filled the soul of a struggling country with joy and pride.
Phar Lap’s life came to a tragic and early end in 1932 at the age of five, apparently as a victim of arsenic poisoning. His untimely death left an enduring and painful void in Australian sport and culture. His loss was a deep blow. For millions struggling with the economic fallout from the pandemic and other crises, he had become a potent symbol of resilience and determination.
The Relationship Behind the Legend
At the center of Phar Lap’s saga is the bond between the racehorse and his devoted strapper, Tommy Woodcock. This bond is the essence of the new wonderful musical, “The Wonder Horse!” It intimately depicts their relationship and how they make each other grow.
Richards, a key figure behind the musical, noted, “There was no Phar Lap without Tommy, and there was no Tommy without Phar Lap.” Their friendship and their bond helped save both their lives in different ways. It greatly increased Phar Lap’s prosperity on the racetrack.
The production’s interpretations bring to life Phar Lap’s journey from scrappy outsider to beloved people’s champion. “When [Phar Lap] first arrives, he’s this kid, and then he goes through his bratty teenage phase, and then it’s about him finding his identity and his autonomy,” Kramer explained. This narrative conceit is meant to engage today’s audiences while reflecting the enduring storylines of nurturing and collaboration.
A Celebration of Sporting Heroism
Phar Lap’s taxidermied hide lies on display at the Melbourne Museum. For a lot of fans, visiting it is “practically a rite of passage,” notes Richards. The exhibit is a great example of Phar Lap’s ongoing legacy and importance to Australian history.
Richards’ overarching point was this—one of our greatest sporting heroes is a horse. Phar Lap’s cultural importance undoubtedly extends far beyond the racing landscape. As the musicals have shown, there’s a remarkable crossover between Phar Lap’s story and the issues we’re wrestling with now. They beautifully convey the quest for excellence, despite the odds against you.
Yet Kramer wishes to stress that the musicals truly honour Phar Lap’s extraordinary feats. Beyond that, though, they make for incisive general critiques of society’s ills. “It’s more about what it takes to be an athlete and this athlete happens to be a horse,” he stated. The stories explore issues of resilience and selfhood, addressing past and present class and racial anxieties.
The Impact of Phar Lap’s Story
Phar Lap still looms large in the landscape of Australia’s sporting legends. Beyond the black-and-white stat sheet of his racing accomplishments, he uplifted and motivated scores of people during hard times. His story still serves as an inspiration to anyone who faces obstacles, no matter how daunting they seem. It strikes a chord with millions of Australians currently suffering through economic pain.
As the musicals get ready for their opening, they’ll want to immerse themselves in Phar Lap’s truly historic triumphs. Beyond this, they will directly confront the greed and infighting that marred his legacy. “When I started looking into the story, the narrative of it, and all the greed and interpersonal fighting — his trainer and his owner didn’t get along — felt larger than life,” Kramer reflected.
Their productions are making Phar Lap’s story come alive with rich music and performance. Regardless, they are sure to generate a welcome revival of interest in one of Australia’s most revered national treasures.
