Phar Lap was poisoned say scientists

The mystery surrounding the fate of Australia's most famous racehorse looks set to have been solved - 74 years after his death.
Scientists say that tests show Phar Lap was poisoned by arsenic while he was at the peak of his career in 1932.

The legendary horse collapsed and died in agony in California, hours before a race he was widely tipped to win.

US gangsters are long believed to have ordered the death, amid fears he would cause big losses to illegal bookmakers.

Australian scientists used particle accelerator technology to closely analyse preserved strands of Phar Lap's hair.

They concluded that the five-year-old New Zealand-bred chestnut had been given a lethal dose of arsenic 35 hours before his death.

"We've made observations which could be explained by poison. We can't otherwise explain it," Australian Synchrotron Research Program scientist Ivan Kempson told local media.

He said the findings added weight to the gangster poisoning theory, but warned: "You will never get a 100% definite answer".

Phar Lap - which means lightening in Thai - was a sporting hero in Australia during the Great Depression era, winning 37 of his 51 starts, including the 1930 Melbourne Cup.

He had won the rich Agua Caliente race in Mexico just days before his trainer found him in severe pain, with blood pouring from his lungs in California. He died hours later.

Phar Lap's heart lies in the National Museum in Canberra, while his preserved body is on display at the Melbourne Museum.

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Sensei - 8:12 - 15/2

The bookies cant make their mind up about this race so theres scope to make money perhaps even with some spread betting. My tip Sensei comes into this race on the back of a decent win in the USA in an eclipse stakes race. Owned by Diablo racing the 6 year old colt has picked up 11 wins and 26 placed finishes in his career earning a total of £1,151 for the yard. A consistent performer when running well he has notched up two wins and a placing in his last four races so must be considered for an each way punt.

Dec 27th - 9:12 - 12/1

I've backed this 7 year old veteran in the past and he hasn't let me down yet. In his career to date Dec 27th has brought in £2,725 in winnings for five different owners. Now in the twilight of his succesful career the colt has a few more tricks up his sleeve before he calls it a day and if he gets a good jockey he could well take this race though a placing is more likely.

Trium Fontium - 9:24 - 12/1

Owners RedHalo racing will be hoping this 2 year old colt can turn around a poor run of form in this Getminted Monthly Challenge qualifier. Undoubtedly talented Trium Fontium has only won once in fifteen races but with six placings he's earned almsot £600 for the yard. Tonight at good odds the youngster will be aiming to kick start a purple patch and I've a feeling he'll pick up another place before he goes on to bigger and better things.