Region revels in festivities for Phar Lap's return

Phar Lap has been welcomed home in style.

South Cantabrians have lapped up the return of the mighty horse – in statue form – with two days of celebrations at Phar Lap Raceway.

Racing personality Des Coppins said he wasn't surprised Phar Lap had brought so many people together, even 77 years after his death.

"There's a mystique about the horse."

Top New Zealand horse breeder Sir Patrick Hogan, who bought one of two Phar Lap racing silks, as well as the 18th and final maquette of the Phar Lap statue, said both items would take pride of place when he went home.

He said he already had the perfect place in mind to show off the miniature-sized version of the bronze sculpture.

"I already have [a maquette] in my office, but I'll put the other on display at the Karaka sales to remind the Aussies next time they want to buy a real horse, this is where [Phar Lap] came from," he joked.

Champion New Zealand jockey Lance O'Sullivan was the guest speaker at the black tie celebration on Wednesday evening.

O'Sullivan said Phar Lap "had super equine ability. No other horse would be able to do what he did."

Australian high commissioner Paul O'Sullivan credited the hard work of the Phar Lap trustees, and all who had contributed to the project. He said Phar Lap deserved all the accolades. "He gained the respect of the racing community and has never lost it since."

The guests were also treated to pre-recorded video speeches from Prime Minister John Key and Australian horse training legend Bart Cummings, who is the patron of the Phar Lap Charitable Trust.

Yesterday's festivities got underway with a champagne breakfast and book launch of Phar Lap: The Untold Story, co-authored by Graeme Putt and former Timaru Herald sport and racing editor Pat McCord.

The book proved so popular that another run to the bookstore was required.

The breakfast was followed by the Phar Lap memorial race day, with several races run in remembrance of some of Phar Lap's biggest races.

While the races were hotly contested, the men's and women's fashion in the field proved a very even competition.

Timaru's Tim Black was named best-dressed man, and Annette Coulter best-dressed woman.