he is revered by Australians as much as
any human Olympian. Within days of his
final triumph in his only North American
appearance at Agua Caliente in 1932, Phar
Lap died young, in controversial circum-
stances. His stuffed hide – another work
of art, still lifelike - draws multitudes an-
nually to the Melbourne Museum while
his massive heart has pride of place in the
National Museum in Canberra. To have 'a
heart as big as Phar Lap's' remains an Aus-
tralian compliment of the highest order.
Flemington races on four days between
two Saturdays of the Melbourne Cup Car-
nival. Each day has its own flavour. Derby
Day brings championship racing, elegant
and traditional. Cup Day is – well – just
Cup Day. Oaks Day on Thursday is about
fillies and fine fashion. Emirates Stakes
Day Satururday is about families, and
