Search the collections
Refine your search
Filter results by item type
Phar Lap Collection
Image: Scrapbook - Phar Lap
Source: Museum Victoria
The Melbourne Museum has been the home of Phar Lap, since his mounted hide first went on permanent display in January 1933. He immediately became one of the Museum's most popular exhibits and has continued to draw the fascination of visitors over the decades since, becoming one of the most significant historical icons in any Australian Museum.
The Museum also holds an important collection of over 350 items of racing equipment and memorabilia relating to Phar Lap, including race programmes, winner's sashes, saddles, horseshoes, horse rugs, jockey's silks, a whip and other items collected by his owners and carers during his working life. Since the late 1980s, the Museum has activevly developed the collection to further document the social and historical context of Phar Lap's career and the enduring public interest in the horse since his tragic death at the height of the Great Depression. Included in the later category is an extensive archive of documents and photographs, examples of publicity materials produced by the Museum featuring Phar Lap, and a range of commercial and homemade souvenirs and memorabilia reflecting people's ongoing fascination with his story.
Highlights of the collection include the following:
- Phar Lap's mounted hide, taxidermy specimen prepared by Jonas Brothers, New York, in 1932
- Catalogue of the Annual New Zealand Thoroughbred Yearling Sales, 24 Jan 1928, at which Phar Lap was sold for 160 guineas
- Certificate of Registration of Racehorse, issued for Phar Lap, 3 December 1928
- Tommy Woodcock's suitcase, in which the strapper stored equipment & memorabilia relating to his beloved Phar Lap for 50 years, before donating it to Museum Victoria
- Harry Telford's tonic book, used during the 1930s when he was trainer and part-owner of Phar Lap
- Jockey's silks & cap owned by trainer Harry Telford, used on Phar Lap in 36 races from 1929-1931
- Tommy Woodcock's horse brush & whip, used while caring for Phar Lap
- Presentation sashes awarded to Phar Lap for his win in the VRC Derby, 2 November 1929, and three other races
- Training saddle worn by Phar Lap during trackwork, early 1930s
- Framed photograph of Phar Lap winning the 1930 Melbourne Cup, from the family of Harry Telford
- Billy Elliot's Phar Lap Saddle used by jockey William Elliot in Phar Lap's final races
- Pair of horseshoes for the Agua Caliente Handicap, Mexico, worn by Phar Lap during his final race in March 1932
- Horse rug worn by Phar Lap at the time of his death at Menlo Park, California, 5 April 1932
- Dozens of sympathy letters sent to Harry Telford by adoring fans and supporters following Phar Lap's death
- Scrapbook of newspaper and magazine clippings, compiled between 1930-1990 by Marie Davie, one of the many fans who became a lifelong devotee of Phar Lap.
Related Stories:
Phar Lap, Champion Race Horse (1926-1932)
Harry Telford, Race Horse Owner & Trainer (1877-1960)
Tommy Woodcock, Race Horse Strapper & Trainer (1905-1985)
David Davis, Entrepreneur & Race Horse Owner
Jim Pike, Jockey (1892-1969)
Phar Lap in America, 1932
Related Resources:
Phar Lap - the Story of Australia's Wonder Horse
Phar Lap Infosheet
Items per page: 10 50 (showing 201 - 250) 252 items
-
Letter - Unknown to Telford, Phar Lap's Death, 07 Apr 1932
This letter of sympathy was one of a large number sent to his trainer and part owner Harry Telford after Phar Lap died in April, 1932. The Telford family retained the letters, and they ...
From: Kings Cross, Australia Images: 1 -
Print - Pedigree Chart, Phar Lap, Framed, 1930s
This framed pedigree chart shows the bloodline of the racehorse Phar Lap back through ten generations.
Images: 2 -
Letter - Fisher to Telford, Phar Lap's Death, 24 Apr 1932
This letter of sympathy was one of a large number sent to his trainer and part owner Harry Telford after Phar Lap died in April, 1932. The Telford family retained the letters, and they ...
From: Franklin, Australia Images: 1 -
Drawing - Pedigree Chart, Phar Lap, Framed, circa 1932
Framed hand-done pedigree chart for the race horse Phar Lap. Also includes details of the horse's life and career together with his stake winnings. In white painted wooden frame. Orig ...
Images: 1 -
Printers Proof - Sporting Globe, Phar Lap Collage, 1930s
Printers proof consisting of six various sized photographs of Phar Lap, glued onto a sheet of thick cardboard, with text handwritten in pencil. It is believed that this is a mock-up fo ...
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 2 -
Whip - Jockey, Brown Leather, Phar Lap
Jockey's whip believed to have been used by jockeys riding the champion racehorse Phar Lap. It was retained by the family of his trainer Harry Telford, and was amongst a number of items ...
Images: 7 -
Tonic Book - Harry Telford, Phar Lap, 1930s
Allternative Name(s): Note Book; Recipe Book This tonic book belonged to Harry Telford, part owner and trainer of the champion racehorse Phar Lap. It contains 30 handwritten recipes (28 ...
From: Mordialloc, Australia Images: 6 -
Letter - Best to Telford, Phar Lap's Death, 15 Apr 1932
This letter of sympathy was one of a large number sent to his trainer and part owner Harry Telford after Phar Lap died in April, 1932. The Telford family retained the letters, and they ...
From: Annandale, Australia Images: 3 -
Taxidermy Specimen - Phar Lap, Race Horse, Timaru, New Zealand, 1926-1932
Scientific Name: Equus ferus caballus Mounted hide of the racehorse Phar Lap, prepared by Jonas Brothers Studio, New York, 1932. Phar Lap was born on 4 October 1926 at the Seadown Stu ...
Images: 10 -
Letter - Thompson to Telford, Phar Lap's Death, 1932
This letter of sympathy was one of a large number sent to his trainer and part owner Harry Telford after Phar Lap died in April, 1932. The Telford family retained the letters, and they ...
Images: 1 -
Advertising Print - Penfolds Wines, Phar Lap, 1932
Card advertising poster produced by Penfolds Wines, dated 1932. It features a coloured painting of Phar Lap, reproduced from the original painted by R. Code and owned by Harry Telford ...
Images: 1 -
Horseshoe - Carbine, Victoria, circa 1891
Horseshoe believed to have been worn by the champion Australasian racehorse 'Carbine'. Presented by Mr H. Morgan, Tabberabbera, via Bairnsdale, Victoria.
Images: 1 -
Letter - Johnson to Telford, Phar Lap's Death, 12 Apr 1932
This letter of sympathy was one of a large number sent to his trainer and part owner Harry Telford after Phar Lap died in April, 1932. The Telford family retained the letters, and they ...
From: Kensington, Australia Images: 3 -
Letter - Orr to Telford, Phar Lap's Death, 08 Apr 1932
This letter of sympathy was one of a large number sent to his trainer and part owner Harry Telford after Phar Lap died in April, 1932. The Telford family retained the letters, and they ...
Images: 2 -
Painting - 'Carbine', by M R Gawen, oil, circa 1885-1891
Framed oil painting of the famous Australian race horse Carbine, by M.R. Gawen, circa 1885-1891. Presented by W.S. Hickenbotham. Mark Russell Gawen (1861-1943) was a foremost horse pai ...
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 1 -
Letter - Parkdale Gymkhana to Telford, Phar Lap's Death, 19 Apr 1932
This letter of sympathy was one of a large number sent to his trainer and part owner Harry Telford after Phar Lap died in April, 1932. The Telford family retained the letters, and they ...
Images: 1 -
Apron - Phar Lap, 1930s
This apron was embroidered by an unknown person using a commercial pattern during the 1930s.
Images: 2 -
Letter - Robinson to Telford, Phar Lap's Death, 12 Apr 1932
This letter of sympathy was one of a large number sent to his trainer and part owner Harry Telford after Phar Lap died in April, 1932. The Telford family retained the letters, and they ...
Images: 3 -
Letter - Wallis to Telford, Phar Lap's Death, 07 Apr 1932
This letter of sympathy was one of a large number sent to his trainer and part owner Harry Telford after Phar Lap died in April, 1932. The Telford family retained the letters, and they ...
Images: 1 -
Letter - Loughlan to Telford, Phar Lap's Death, 18 Apr 1932
This letter of sympathy was one of a large number sent to his trainer and part owner Harry Telford after Phar Lap died in April, 1932. The Telford family retained the letters, and they ...
Images: 2 -
Letter - Unknown to Mrs. Telford, Phar Lap's Death, 1932
This letter of sympathy was one of a large number sent to his trainer and part owner Harry Telford after Phar Lap died in April, 1932. The Telford family retained the letters, and they ...
Images: 1 -
Letter - Lield to Telford, Phar Lap's Death, 07 Apr 1932
This letter of sympathy was one of a large number sent to his trainer and part owner Harry Telford after Phar Lap died in April, 1932. The Telford family retained the letters, and they ...
Images: 2 -
Letter - Monahan to Telford, Phar Lap's Death, 07 Apr 1932
This letter of sympathy was one of a large number sent to his trainer and part owner Harry Telford after Phar Lap died in April, 1932. The Telford family retained the letters, and they ...
Images: 2 -
Letter - Shrives to Telford, Phar Lap's Death, 14 Apr 1932
This letter of sympathy was one of a large number sent to his trainer and part owner Harry Telford after Phar Lap died in April, 1932. The Telford family retained the letters, and they ...
Images: 1 -
Letter - Kneebone to Telford, Phar Lap's Death, 11 Apr 1932
This letter of sympathy was one of a large number sent to his trainer and part owner Harry Telford after Phar Lap died in April, 1932. The Telford family retained the letters, and they ...
Images: 2 -
Letter - Unknown to Telford, Phar Lap's Death, 09 Apr 1932
This letter of sympathy was one of a large number sent to his trainer and part owner Harry Telford after Phar Lap died in April, 1932. The Telford family retained the letters, and they ...
Images: 2 -
Letter - Newstead to Telford, Phar Lap's Death, 27 Apr 1932
This letter of sympathy was one of a large number sent to his trainer and part owner Harry Telford after Phar Lap died in April, 1932. The Telford family retained the letters, and they ...
Images: 1 -
Letter - McCabe to Telford, Phar Lap's Death, 07 Apr 1932
This letter of sympathy was one of a large number sent to his trainer and part owner Harry Telford after Phar Lap died in April, 1932. The Telford family retained the letters, and they ...
Images: 1 -
Letter - Black to Telford, Phar Lap's Death, 08 Apr 1932
This letter of sympathy was one of a large number sent to his trainer and part owner Harry Telford after Phar Lap died in April, 1932. The Telford family retained the letters, and they ...
Images: 1 -
Letter - Northcott to Telford, Phar Lap's Death, 05 May 1932
This letter of sympathy was one of a large number sent to his trainer and part owner Harry Telford after Phar Lap died in April, 1932. The Telford family retained the letters, and they ...
Images: 1 -
Letter - Thomson to Telford, Phar Lap's Death, 12 Apr 1932
This letter of sympathy was one of a large number sent to his trainer and part owner Harry Telford after Phar Lap died in April, 1932. The Telford family retained the letters, and they ...
Images: 1 -
Letter - Unknown to Telford, Phar Lap's Death, 1932
This letter of sympathy was one of a large number sent to his trainer and part owner Harry Telford after Phar Lap died in April, 1932. The Telford family retained the letters, and they ...
Images: 1 -
Letter - Bryant to Telford, Phar Lap's Death, 10 May 1932
This letter of sympathy was one of a large number sent to his trainer and part owner Harry Telford after Phar Lap died in April, 1932. The Telford family retained the letters, and they ...
Images: 1 -
Letter - Copping to Telford, Phar Lap's Death, 05 May 1932
This letter of sympathy was one of a large number sent to his trainer and part owner Harry Telford after Phar Lap died in April, 1932. The Telford family retained the letters, and they ...
Images: 2 -
Letter - Lester to Telford, Phar Lap's Death, 12 Apr 1932
This letter of sympathy was one of a large number sent to his trainer and part owner Harry Telford after Phar Lap died in April, 1932. The Telford family retained the letters, and they ...
Images: 1 -
Letter - Waggamba Shire Council to Telford, Phar Lap's Death, 20 Apr 1932
This letter of sympathy was one of a large number sent to his trainer and part owner Harry Telford after Phar Lap died in April, 1932. The Telford family retained the letters, and they ...
Images: 1 -
Letter - Gauch to Telford, Phar Lap's Death, 08 Apr 1932
This letter of sympathy was one of a large number sent to his trainer and part owner Harry Telford after Phar Lap died in April, 1932. The Telford family retained the letters, and they ...
Images: 2 -
Letter - Neville to Telford, Phar Lap's Death, 1932
This letter of sympathy was one of a large number sent to his trainer and part owner Harry Telford after Phar Lap died in April, 1932. The Telford family retained the letters, and they ...
Images: 2 -
Letter - Roebuck to Telford, Phar Lap's Death, 12 Apr 1932
This letter of sympathy was one of a large number sent to his trainer and part owner Harry Telford after Phar Lap died in April, 1932. The Telford family retained the letters, and they ...
Images: 2 -
Letter - Ginnivan to Telford, Phar Lap's Death, 29 Apr 1932
This letter of sympathy was one of a large number sent to his trainer and part owner Harry Telford after Phar Lap died in April, 1932. The Telford family retained the letters, and they ...
Images: 1 -
Letter - Hogan to Telford, Phar Lap's Death, 18 Apr 1932
This letter of sympathy was one of a large number sent to his trainer and part owner Harry Telford after Phar Lap died in April, 1932. The Telford family retained the letters, and they ...
Images: 1 -
Letter - Reid to Telford, Phar Lap's Death, 18 Apr 1932
This letter of sympathy was one of a large number sent to his trainer and part owner Harry Telford after Phar Lap died in April, 1932. The Telford family retained the letters, and they ...
Images: 1 -
Letter - Russell to Telford, Phar Lap's Death, 1932
This letter of sympathy was one of a large number sent to his trainer and part owner Harry Telford after Phar Lap died in April, 1932. The Telford family retained the letters, and they ...
Images: 2 -
Letter - Roberts to Telford, Phar Lap's Death, 24 Apr 1932
This letter of sympathy was one of a large number sent to his trainer and part owner Harry Telford after Phar Lap died in April, 1932. The Telford family retained the letters, and they ...
Images: 1 -
Letter - Thomson to Telford, Phar Lap's Death, 29 Apr 1932
This letter of sympathy was one of a large number sent to his trainer and part owner Harry Telford after Phar Lap died in April, 1932. The Telford family retained the letters, and they ...
Images: 3 -
Letter - Best to Telford, Phar Lap's Death, 16 Apr 1932
This letter of sympathy was one of a large number sent to his trainer and part owner Harry Telford after Phar Lap died in April, 1932. The Telford family retained the letters, and they ...
Images: 2 -
Letter - Morris to Telford, Phar Lap's Death, 25 Apr 1932
This letter of sympathy was one of a large number sent to his trainer and part owner Harry Telford after Phar Lap died in April, 1932. The Telford family retained the letters, and they ...
Images: 2 -
Letter - Connery to Telford, Phar Lap's Death, 20 Apr 1932
This letter of sympathy was one of a large number sent to his trainer and part owner Harry Telford after Phar Lap died in April, 1932. The Telford family retained the letters, and they ...
Images: 2 -
Medal - 123rd Melbourne Cup, M.R. Roberts Ltd, New South Wales, Australia, 1983
This medal issued by M.R. Roberts from the Wynyard Coin Centre in Sydney to commemorate the 1983 Melbourne Cup. It features the champion race horse Phar Lap and jockey Jim Pike, who won ...
Images: 2 -
Medal - 123rd Melbourne Cup, M.R. Roberts Ltd, New South Wales, Australia, 1983
This medal issued by M.R. Roberts from the Wynyard Coin Centre in Sydney to commemorate the 1983 Melbourne Cup. It features the champion race horse Phar Lap and jockey Jim Pike, who won ...
From: Sydney, Australia Images: 2
