Phar Lap and a Century of Australian Horse Speed
An examination of racing times and records across eras notes Phar Lap’s lone 10 furlongs mark and compares rival horses like Silver Scorn, Ajax, Beauford, Wotan, Burlesque, Marauder, and Wotan. It discusses how weights, track conditions, and pacing influence time-test limits and legacy.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Australasia
Wotan
Phor Lap
Trenton
Trafalgardis
Peter Pan
Ajax
Sarchevie
Ramdin
Chatham
Winooka
Euclid
Chietham
Inoolin
Pamelus
Ei Ried
Silver Scorn
Hawk
Beauford
Gloaming
Australia
Phar Lap
Bee
Marauder
Old Rowley
Pooley Brirlyn
Modern racing speed myths and the weight of time
The article argues that recent racing times are misleading when comparing today’s horses with those of the past. It cites improved track surfaces, shoeing, and especially rider posture reducing air resistance as key factors. It notes many records come from second or third‑rate horses, not weight‑for‑age champions, and questions the validity of time‑test comparisons across eras.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ranewick
England's Classics and the Famous St Marguerite Mare
The article chronicles classic race winners and influential broodmares led by St Marguerite and Formosa, Sceptre, Pretty Polly, La Fleche, and Pilgrimage. It traces lineages from Hermit and Stockwell to modern champions, noting mares who won multiple classics and their enduring impact on stud books and famous Australasian lines.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
St. Marguerite
W. 5
Carrington
Peter Jackson
Tredennis
Seabreeze
St.eye
Rock Sand
Tracery
Australis
America
Hermit
New Zealand
Steppe
Stockwell
Aleesis Fd
Pretty
Polly
Hannah
Apology
la Pleche
Sceptre
Pretty Polly
Sit. Muga
Sm Hugo
Sir Foote
Doncaster
Australia
One Foote
Victoria
Pilgrim's Progress
Abundance
Queen of Trips
Formosa
Marie Stuart
Jannette
Seabreeze Memoir
la Fluche
Scuptre
Vand
Warrawee
Also Mentioned on This Page
Phar
Pooley Bridge
States
Commonwealth
Ranwin
Burlesque
Grusacer
Pesky
Sir i-Pineh
Pavilion
Dane Moal
Mr. Kerry
Gro
Mestoravon
Wef. Elias
Taniwick
Srecarth
Tialf
Dsec
Flemington
Tarafalgar
Paganelli
W.B.C
Newmarket
Valfresco
Phin Lap
Oris
Cw.ta
Chass
Carbine
Asia
Australagia
Manfred
Fuji San
Night Patrol
Challis
Randwick
Toi
Maleson
Abercorn
Mick” O'Brien
Souy
Hes Boaly Él
Johnnie Walker
Jorannie Walker
John Walker & Sos Ltd
London
Kilmarnock
Sydney
JW Az
Bachelor's Double
Backwood
Parkwood
Oakwood
Australian
Perase
Johnnie Jason
Am- Mion Rais
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!