With the great annual event of the Melbourne Cup looming, it brings to mind the icon of Phar Lap.

This amazing horse came in the Great Depression where half of the workforce were pushed unwillingly into unemployment. He quickly became the symbol of hope, dreams and prosperity as the struggling people of Melbourne were given a chance where they could not lose. He was claimed as the best race-horse in the world and has been a proud Australian symbol and icon ever since.

After barely escaping death from being shot at by gangsters in 1930, Phar Lap died in 1932. His passing was just days after he had won the richest race in the world and the circumstances bring about new theories even today.

Though Phar Lap was lost he had created a ray of hope that Melbourne needed through the Great Depression and he is still remembered for his greatness today.

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