Mayor unveils bronze Phar Lap statue

NATASHA MARTIN/ The Timaru Herald

CHAMPION UNVEILED: A large crowd turned out to see the $500,000 statue of Phar Lap at Washdyke.

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Timaru's new Phar Lap statue got the thumbs up from those in the know when it was unveiled yesterday at the raceway in Washdyke that bears his 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, gave the statue plaudits. "When they pulled back the blanket, a tear dropped out from my eye. It's mind-boggling."

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

"It's just so life-like."

Even the Australian high commissioner, Paul O'Sullivan, was impressed, saying it was "fabulous". "Real credit must go to those who made it happen." He thought Timaru was an appropriate place for the champion to be celebrated as he was born nearby.

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

The 88-year-old said his uncle would have been proud of how life-like 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 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 doing an excellent job of the race call.

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

Mayor Janie Annear unveiled the statue with Mr O'Sullivan and the sculptor. Mrs Annear paid tribute to the great horse who lifted the hearts of so many through 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 the X-factor that had grabbed two nations' hearts and continued to do so.

The media presence confirmed the importance of the horse and event with six television cameras and a lot more photographers capturing the unveiling.

After, the crowd flocked forward to get a closer peek at Phar Lap perched above the fountain.

Local 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 unveiling of a new book written by former Timaru Herald sports editor Pat McCord and Graeme Putt.

It will be followed by the Phar Lap race day, with each of the 10 events named after races won by Phar Lap, and a marquee party.

The trustees of the Phar Lap Charitable Trust raised the $500,000 needed for the statue.