Summary

Photograph, taken in Mexico in March 1932, depicts the race horse Phar Lap and his trainer Tommy Woodcock.

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

Description of Content

Rectangular professional black and white photograph of a man and the head of a race horse.

Physical Description

Rectangular professional black and white glossy photograph. There is a black printer's stamp and handwriting in blue ink on the back.

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 photograph is especially interesting, as it documents the close relationship between trainer/strapper Tommy Woodcock and his beloved Phar Lap.

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