Summary

Photograph, taken in Mexico on 20th March 1932, depicts the race horse Phar Lap, after winning the Agua Caliente Handicap. His trainer Tommy Woodcock holds his reins, while race jockey Bill Elliott sits on his back. A crowd of people are in the background, including farrier James Smith, who is holding what is possibly Phar Lap's blanket, as well as the race course's main grandstand.

This copy was the property of James Smith, Phar Lap's Canadian farrier.

Description of Content

Rectangular professional black and white photograph of a man holding the rein of a racehorse, on which sits a male jockey. The photograph has been trimmed at some stage.

Physical Description

Rectangular professional black and white glossy photograph.

Significance

This photograph is a significant as part of a small collection documenting Phar Lap's participation in the Agua Caliente Handicap, in Mexico in 1932. In particular, it relates to damaging of his front left hoof two week's before the race, an injury that could have cost him the race. Canadian farrier James Ferguson Smith, who originally owned this collection, was the man given the task of removing the old shoe and replacing it with a supportive bar shoe, crafted by his own hands.

Smith ingenious handiwork, along with trainer Tommy Woodcock's careful and calculated training schedule enabled Phar Lap not only to participate in the race, after fears of him being scratched, but to win it comfortably. This photographs documents the excitement at Agua Caliente just after the race.

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