A chronicle of the impact of a much-loved and much-lauded horseracing icon, this is a complete account of Phar Lap's life. It details the many mysteries of his career, from his purchase as a gangly gelding bought cheaply in New Zealand to the infamous shooting that occurred just days before his great triumph in the 1930 Melbourne Cup and his tragic, previously unexplained death in the United States. Bringing to life the characters of the racetrack, this book also examines the way the media played a part in building the legend. Beautifully presented with archival photographs, newspaper articles, and racing memorabilia, this book commemorates one of the best racehorses of all time.