MEDIA RELEASE PR36263
Phar Lap Statue May Require Return of 1930 Police Escort
WELLINGTON, Sept 23 /NZPA-AsiaNet/ --
The final journey of the life size bronze statue of the New Zealand born champion, Phar Lap, may
need a Police escort just like the champion required as he was shot at on his way to Flemington in
November 1930.
Phar Lap Charitable Trust chair Derek Mayne said there is so much interest in the journey of the
finished statue from the foundry in Avondale near Auckland, to Timaru in the South Island in early
November, ``I am scared it might get hijacked''.
The statue is to be unveiled on Wednesday 25 November at Phar Lap Raceway near Timaru, close
to where the champion was born at Seadown on 4 October 1926.
The VIP unveiling group includes Lance O'Sullivan, New Zealand's most successful jockey
representing Australasian champions, Sir Patrick Hogan representing the New Zealand breeding
industry, Hon John Carter, New Zealand's Minister of Racing, Mr Paul O'Sullivan, Australian
Ambassador to New Zealand and the Mayor of Timaru, Janie Annear.
The two days of celebrations in Timaru will include a Phar Lap race day, book launch on the
champ's New Zealand connections, a commemorative dinner and dedication ceremony.
The 3m high x 4m long statue is in the final stages of casting with jockey Jim Pike scheduled to be
`poured' within the next two weeks.
Media representatives are invited to attend on 25 November and suitable local arrangements will be
made - please register with gerry@morris-ppr.co.nz.
ENDS
Photo available - Well grounded: the extent of the reinforcing in the statue base at Phar Lap
Raceway in Timaru required to hold the one tonne bronze.
Media contact - Trustee Gerry Morris
+0011644 499 0224 OR
+001164 274 428 217.
SOURCE: Morris Professional Public Relations (NZ) Ltd
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