A Racing Sensation

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXIV, Issue 128, 3 November 1930, Page 4

A Racing Sensation

PHAR LAP FIRED ON

ANIMAL INJURED Savouring of the atmsphere of a Nat Gould sporting novel a sensational happening took place on Saturday morning at Caulfield racecourse, Melbourne, when a determined attempt was made to injure the New Zealand-bred racehorse Phar Lap, who is favourite for the Melbourne Cup. Phar Lap had sprinted a quarter of a mile on the sand in 28 seconds, and was leaving the Caulfield course for his stable when he was deliberately fired at from a motor-car. Two men were seated in a closed car, and one aimed a shot-gun at the horse. The first shot went wide, but the second caused some pellets to be lodged in the horse’s clothing. Phar Lap took fright and bolted, knocking down a newspaper boy, who, however, was not seriously hurt.

Phar Lap suffered no injury. The men in the motor-car immediately after the second shot drove away hurriedly. As a result of the dastardly attempt to disable Phar Lap, extraordinary precautions were taken to protect him. He was conveyed to the Flemington racecourse for his Saturday afternoon engagement in an enclosed motor-caravan (or “float”) escorted by armed police on motor-cycles. At Flemington a cordon of police and detectives surrounded his box, and he was escorted by detectives right on to the course for his start in the Melbourne Stakes. The horse was given a tremendous reception from the crowds when he made his appearance, and his popularity was further increased by the way he won his race, finishing in a canter. Phar Lap left Flemington in the motor “float” again escorted by police on motor-cycles, and will be carefully guarded night and day until after the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday afternoon.