Eyes well as Phar Lap unveiled

Phar Lap honoured in hometown

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Timaru's new statue of Phar Lap got the thumbs up yesterday when it was unveiled at the raceway that bears the horse's name.

About 1000 people turned up to see sculptor Joanne Sullivan- Giessler's life-sized bronze of the Australasian champion thoroughbred, with jockey Jim Pike on board, unveiled in near- perfect conditions.

Sir Patrick Hogan, representing the New Zealand breeding industry, applauded the statue.

"When they pulled back the blanket, a tear dropped out from my eye.

"It's mind-boggling, really."

Former Timaru jockey Pat Collins, who has ridden on both sides of the Tasman, said the statue was breathtaking.

Even Australian High Commissioner Paul O'Sullivan was impressed, saying it was "fabulous".

He said Timaru was an appropriate place for the champion to be celebrated, as he was born nearby.

The nephew of Phar Lap's trainer, New Zealander Eddie Telford, said it was fantastic.

The 88-year-old said his uncle would have been proud of how lifelike the statue looked.

"You can see the muscles and it looks like the jockey is talking to him."

The day started with a re- enactment around the track of the 1930 Melbourne Cup. Jockey Stephanie Payne rode as Jim Pike, with Surprise Purchase playing the part of Phar Lap, and commentator Mark McNamara calling the race.

That was followed by a heritage parade focusing mainly on horses before the official ceremony and blessing.

Mayor Janie Annear unveiled the statue.

Annear paid tribute to the great horse which lifted the hearts of many during the Depression, as well as those who had the vision to get the statue erected.

"The Phar Lap Trust are our heroes today. At times the ride has not been an easy one, but the best ones never are."

All the speakers agreed Phar Lap had grabbed two nations' hearts and continued to do so.

Immediately after the unveiling the crowd flocked to get a closer look at Phar Lap perched above the fountain.

Timaru woman Margaret Gallagher was impressed when she got up close. "It's fantastic, fabulous and the best thing is I get to drive past it every day."

Celebrations continue today with a champagne breakfast and the launch of a book by Pat McCord and Graeme Putt, to be followed by a Phar Lap race day, with 10 events each named after one of Phar Lap's winning races, and a marquee party.