Why was the death of Phar Lap such a significant event?

Answer 1

During the Great Depression people needed something to get their minds of their troubles and hardships. The races and Phar lap who was a symbol of success and hope did just that for them.

When the news of Phar Lap's death in America reached Australia there was a great feeling of loss. Phar Lap was greatly missed because he had been an inspiration to all the people who nearly lost hope during the Depression.

Also, he died in such a tragic manner, and amidst such controversy. Early on 5 April 1932, Phar Lap's trainer, Tommy Woodcock, found him in severe pain, with a high temperature. Within a few hours, Phar Lap haemorrhaged to death. A necropsy revealed that the horse's stomach and intestines were inflamed, and many believed he had been deliberately poisoned. A variety of theories have been propounded through the years.

In 2006 Australian Synchrotron Research scientists said it was almost certain Phar Lap was poisoned with a large single dose of arsenic 35 hours before he died, supporting the belief that Phar Lap was killed on the orders of US gangsters, who feared the Melbourne-Cup-winning champion would inflict big losses on their illegal bookmakers.