FAMOUS PHAR LAP

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21545, 18 January 1932, Page 7

FAMOUS PHAR LAP

ARRIVAL IN SAN FRANCISCO INTENSE INTEREST AROUSED (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) SAN FRANCISCO, January 15. (Received Jan. 17, at 5.5 p.m.) Not since the invasion of the English horse Papyrus and the French horse Epinard has the coming of a foreign horse created so much interest among American turfmen as the arrival of Phar Lap today. Trainers and handlers reported that Phar Lap had stood up well to the strain of the long voyage, and they expect he will soon be ready for active racing. Mr Neilson said: “The horse is in good condition and should round into shape without difficulty.” Mr Davis, part owner, stated: “Ifhe is not in perfect condition he will not be raced in the Agua Caliente Handicap. We want him to be at his best.” SAN FRANCISCO, January 16. Exercise boys took Pbar Lap out this morning for his first gallop on American soil. The horse swung around the circular Tanforan track in such fine style that it was apparent he had found uis land legs. Martin exerted a heavy pull on the reins to slacken the spirited animal’s pace and swing him out through the gate towards the stables at the end of the work-out. Predictions are numerous that Phar Lap will do well in the handicap. Mr Davis said it was not decided who would ride Phar Lap in the handicap and that nothing would bo done until the arrival of Mr Telford, the other part owner. It is revealed that it cost 5000dol to transport the horse to America. , NEW YORK, January 16. Phar Lap was greeted by as many people as turn out for a visiting foreign dignitary, and a prominent kinema star, returning by the same ship from a vacation in the South Seas, received scant notice. Woodcock asserted that Phar Lap had stood the trip “ like an old sea dog.” It is now stated that Phar Lap is first to recondition for two days at the Tanforan track, and then have a rest for 10 days at the Heather stock farm, owned by Mr John Marchbank, at Oakland Creek. SAN FRANCISCO, January 16. Heavy snow, the first for years, welcomed Phar Lap to this city. The Agua Caliente Jockey Club has disqualified Baron Long, part owner of the Agua Caliente course and one of the bestknown racing men of the west, for life for admitting the rigging of the betting on the horse Linden. The decision bars Baron Long from all race tracks in the United States and Canada. Canada has cancelled the telegraphic facilities formerly enjoyed by bookmakers. Baron Long has 23 racers working at Agua Caliente, one or more of which would have met Phar Lap, but all are now banned from racing in North America unless a bonafide sale of Long’s horses is effected.