person or book cover
Screen cap from trailer
form y separately published work icon Phar Lap single work   film/TV  
Issue Details: First known date: 1983... 1983 Phar Lap
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AbstractHistoryArchive Description

Based on the real events that surrounded the life and career of Australia's greatest-ever thoroughbred racehorse, Phar Lap begins with his mysterious and controversial death in the United States. The narrative then flashes back to the day that Phar Lap, despite his lack of pedigree, is purchased on impulse by trainer Harry Telford. Although Phar Lap loses his first races, Telford's faith in the animal is unshakable. Suddenly, the horse becomes a winner, thanks to the love and diligence of stableboy Tommy Woodcock. American promoter Dave Davis arranges for Phar Lap to be entered in several top races, where his long-shot status results in heavy losses for the professional gamblers. Just after winning an important race in Mexico, Phar Lap collapses and dies. While the story never states emphatically that the champion racehorse was 'murdered' by gambling interests, it is certainly implied.

Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of

Works about this Work

Phar Lap Rewatched – The Mystery Demise of Australia's Finest Race Horse Luke Buckmaster , 2015 single work review
— Appears in: The Guardian Australia , 8 November 2015;

— Review of Phar Lap David Williamson , 1983 single work film/TV
It Isn't Like We're Lacking Inspiration in Our Books and Music : What's Happened to Great Aussie Movies? Nicolle Flint , 2014 single work column
— Appears in: The Advertiser , 23 September 2014; (p. 22)
Phar Lap Rewatched – The Mystery Demise of Australia's Finest Race Horse Luke Buckmaster , 2015 single work review
— Appears in: The Guardian Australia , 8 November 2015;

— Review of Phar Lap David Williamson , 1983 single work film/TV
It Isn't Like We're Lacking Inspiration in Our Books and Music : What's Happened to Great Aussie Movies? Nicolle Flint , 2014 single work column
— Appears in: The Advertiser , 23 September 2014; (p. 22)

Awards

1983 nominated Australian Film Institute Awards Best Screenplay: Original
Last amended 7 Sep 2012 14:12:19
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