The Phar Lap Story

The Phar Lap Story

$15.00 AUD

Availability: in stock at our Tullamarine warehouse

Condition: SECONDHAND

This is a secondhand book. The jacket image is a photograph of the exact copy we have in stock. This image shows the condition of this book. Further condition remarks are below.


Condition remarks:
Book: Good
Jacket: Worn/faded, no tears
Pages: Good
Markings: Previous owner

Few names in Australian sporting history carry the weight and wonder of Phar Lap — the giant chestnut gelding who rose from humble origins to become a symbol of hope for an entire nation gripped by the Great Depression. The Phar Lap Story by Michael Wilkinson chronicles the remarkable life of Australia's most beloved racehorse, tracing his journey from the paddocks of New Zealand through a stellar racing career that captured the hearts of millions, culminating in his mysterious and untimely death in America in 1932. Wilkinson presents the narrative with vivid detail and emotional resonance, weaving together the personal stories of the trainers, jockeys, and owners whose lives were forever shaped by this extraordinary animal. Beyond the racetrack, this biography illuminates a broader cultural and historical tapestry — illustrating how a horse became a national icon, a symbol of resilience and defiance against impossible odds. Wilkinson's accessible yet authoritative prose ensures that the legend of Phar Lap transcends the world of horse racing, speaking to anyone who has ever rooted for the underdog. A testament to the enduring bond between humans and animals, this account leaves the reader wondering: was Phar Lap simply a great racehorse, or something far more mythic?

Author: Michael Wilkinson
Format: Hardback

Genre: Australian history

Description


Condition remarks:
Book: Good
Jacket: Worn/faded, no tears
Pages: Good
Markings: Previous owner

Few names in Australian sporting history carry the weight and wonder of Phar Lap — the giant chestnut gelding who rose from humble origins to become a symbol of hope for an entire nation gripped by the Great Depression. The Phar Lap Story by Michael Wilkinson chronicles the remarkable life of Australia's most beloved racehorse, tracing his journey from the paddocks of New Zealand through a stellar racing career that captured the hearts of millions, culminating in his mysterious and untimely death in America in 1932. Wilkinson presents the narrative with vivid detail and emotional resonance, weaving together the personal stories of the trainers, jockeys, and owners whose lives were forever shaped by this extraordinary animal. Beyond the racetrack, this biography illuminates a broader cultural and historical tapestry — illustrating how a horse became a national icon, a symbol of resilience and defiance against impossible odds. Wilkinson's accessible yet authoritative prose ensures that the legend of Phar Lap transcends the world of horse racing, speaking to anyone who has ever rooted for the underdog. A testament to the enduring bond between humans and animals, this account leaves the reader wondering: was Phar Lap simply a great racehorse, or something far more mythic?