A LUCKY DEAL

Hokitika Guardian, 18 October 1929, Page 3

A LUCKY DEAL

A.J.C. DERBY WINNER. PURCHASE OF PHAR LAP. SYDNEY, October 10. Once again the result of the great A.J.C,. Derby was of special interest to New Zealanders. The winner was bred in New Zealand,, and., he ,w(is trained by an ex-New Zealander. The romance surrounding his purchase is one of the most remarkable in the turf history of Australia. Costing a mere 160 guineas, he lias put in the shade scores of horses that, as yearlings, brought ever so much more—some of them thousands .of guineas. . • It was just before the Wellington yearling sales two years ago that H. R. Telford; trainer of Phar Lap, sent the following message to his brother in the Dominion: “If the colt by Night Raid from Entreaty lias four sound legs and a head, and looks right, buy him for me up to 200 guineas.” Harry Telford then looked around for a racing man who would finance the purchase, but he had considerable difficulty in finding one who was satisfied with his judgment. He went to one man after another and each turned him down, until he approached Mr D. J. Davis, who agreed to do as the trainer proposed. Shortly afterwards Telford received advice from his brother that the colt, who became known as Phar Lap, had been purchased for 160 guineas. Mr Davis, when informed that the colt was his, replied: “I’m satisfied. lam prepared to risk your judgment, Harry, and you can have a lease of him for three years.” “He will not cost you anything, Mr Davis,” said Telford. “ I will find the feed for him and I will train him. He may not come good, hut I have a great liking for him.”

As a two-year-old, Pliar Lap was not a champion, but Telford was not downhearted, and sent him away for a holiday. When the horse reappeared Telford was greatly pleased with him and said to a friend: “He is a Derby proposition.” That was about four months ago, and his judgment has been vindicated. Then there was romance of a sort about the choice of a jockey for Pliar Lap in the Derby. Telford did not want to make a lastminute appointment, and three months ago he asked one of Australia’s leading horsemen, .1. Munro, if he would take the mount. Munro replied that it was too early for him then to accept a ride in the race, and said that he had been offered several other mounts. “ All right,” replied the trainer, “ I will get someone who will give me his word that he will ride him in the Derby.” And that was how Munro missed a very lucrative ride, and how ■T. Pike succeeded in getting one.