Phar Lap (2 discs)

1983, 113 minutes, Rated G

Phar Lap, the big bold chestnut reigned as the king of the turf in the depression gripped Australia of the 1930s. From his humble beginnings the New Zealand bred horse raced on to become the hero of a nation.

Tom Burlinson stars as strapper Tommy Woodcock whose youn glife was intertwined with that of his charge, Phar Lap. Initially rejected the horse was worked into a winner by trainer Harry Telford (Martin Vaughan). Phar Lap's fame however soon placed him in danger with an attempt on his life on Derby Day 1930. But he went on to capture the imagination of all Australia - as the winner of the 1930 Melbourne Cup.

A year later he won the Agua Caliente stakes in Mexico. It was to be his last. Only 16 days after the race Phar Lap was dead. But a legend was born.