description Phar Lap Overview
Phar Lap is a 1983 Australian biographical film directed by Simon Wincer. It dramatizes the life and racing career of Phar Lap, a New Zealand-bred horse that raced in Australia during the late 1920s and early 1930s. The film follows the horse's rise, his relationship with the people who trained and managed him, and the circumstances surrounding his death. It is intended for viewers interested in Australian history, sport, and animal biography.
help Phar Lap FAQ
Is the 1983 film Phar Lap based on a true story?
Yes — it dramatizes the real racehorse Phar Lap, a New Zealand-bred gelding who dominated Australian racing in the late 1920s and early 1930s. Among his wins was the 1930 Melbourne Cup.
Who stars in the 1983 Phar Lap film?
Tom Burlinson plays strapper Tommy Woodcock and Martin Vaughan plays trainer Harry Telford, with Simon Wincer directing. Burlinson was already known from The Man from Snowy River (1982).
How does Phar Lap die in the movie?
The horse collapses in California in 1932 after being sent to race in North America, and the film points toward poisoning. In reality the cause of death has been debated for decades, with theories ranging from arsenic poisoning to infection.
Can you still see the real Phar Lap today?
Yes — his mounted hide is displayed at Melbourne Museum in Australia, his heart is held at the National Museum of Australia in Canberra, and his skeleton went to Te Papa in New Zealand.
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