Timaru Celebrates 100 Years of Phar Lap
Very few horses leave a mark on the racing world that still resonates a century after their birth, and this Sunday the hometown of one of racing’s greatest icons will come together for a special raceday celebrating 100 years since the birth of the legendary Phar Lap.
Foaled in Seadown, just north of Timaru, on 4 October 1926, 'Bob’ would go on to capture the hearts of two nations, becoming a symbol of hope during a time when people needed it most.
Exported to Australia as an unraced three-year-old, Phar Lap won just once in his first ten starts before beginning a remarkable rise to stardom. Across his four-year career, he won 37 of 51 starts, including two Cox Plates and the 1930 Melbourne Cup, and at his peak strung together 14 consecutive victories.
A century after his story began, Phar Lap Raceway will honour that extraordinary legacy with a raceday dedicated to Timaru’s most famous son, bringing together racing, entertainment, history and plenty of family fun in celebration of the hometown hero.
There will be plenty happening both on and off the track, with free entertainment for the kids throughout the day including lucky numbers, face painting, a balloon artist, bouncy castle, radio-controlled cars, laser Nerf guns and a lolly scramble. While DJ Bowie will keep the atmosphere going between races, and racegoers can watch Phar Lap’s centennial clip celebrating the remarkable life and legacy of the champion.
Adding an extra special connection to Phar Lap’s story will be guest Wayne Hinchcliffe, a friend of Phar Lap’s strapper and later trainer Tommy Woodcock. Hinchcliffe will speak about Tommy and Phar Lap during the raceday and will bring along an extensive collection of Phar Lap memorabilia for racegoers to view, providing a fascinating glimpse into the history surrounding one of the most famous horses Australasia has ever produced.
Several other special guests with connections to Phar Lap’s story are also expected on course, including members of the Wigley, Woodley and Murfitt families, while Joanne Sullivan, the sculptor responsible for Timaru’s bronze Phar Lap statue which greets racegoers at the entrance will also be in attendance.
Pack a picnic or enjoy a delicious meal in the Grey Way Lounge, alongside cabinet food, chips and hot dogs, while a coffee cart and Mr Whippy will also be on course. Those wanting to elevate their raceday experience can choose from two ticketed hospitality options.
Reserve the Rail Car Boot offers a prime trackside spot for $80 per car, including general admission and a racebook, while the Speight’s Stand Bar Function is available for $55 per person and includes continuous finger food, a pay bar, dedicated tote and viewing area. The Speight’s Stand function is R18.
General admission will operate on a pay-what-you-can basis, with Eventfinda tickets available from $5 to $10 and under-18s free. Gate sales will also be available on the day, with admission ranging from a gold coin donation to $10. Racegoers can also make use of undercover grandstand seating, bar and betting facilities, with lucky losing-ticket draws adding another chance to be a winner throughout the afternoon.
Free return buses will run between Timaru and Phar Lap Raceway, with stops at Station Street, Strathallan Street, Sophia Street and Evans Street.
The festivities won’t be confined to Phar Lap Raceway, with Timaru embracing the centenary across the weekend.
On Friday, 2 October, a special function is planned at Hector Black’s Lounge Bar in Timaru, where Wayne Hinchcliffe will share stories and display pieces from his Phar Lap collection. On Saturday, 3 October, local moviegoers will have the chance to revisit Phar Lap’s remarkable story on the big screen, with a local cinema screening the Phar Lap movie.
Timaru’s CBD is also getting into the birthday spirit, with local retailers encouraged to create racing-themed window displays and a Phar Lap scavenger hunt planned around the central city. Even Timaru’s famous Phar Lap statues are getting birthday-ready, with work undertaken to have the monuments looking their best ahead of the centenary celebrations.
It all adds up to a weekend that extends well beyond the racecourse and celebrates the special place Phar Lap continues to hold in the history of Timaru, New Zealand racing and the wider community.
A century may have passed since Phar Lap was born in South Canterbury, but the affection for ‘Big Red’ remains as strong as ever.
Get on course this Sunday, 4th of October at Phar Lap Raceway and join in on the celebrations 100 years in the making!
