PHARLAP
He ran for a country struck down by depression
adored by his people, a national possession
When ‘Red’ hit the front their despair would subside
replaced by a feeling of wonder and pride
For not just a Horse this ray of red light
but inspiring and lifting, a reason to fight
He humbled his rivals with power unseen
this titanic steed, no more a pipe dream
With the contempt of a champion he toyed with his field
when burdened with lead this horse would not yield
and after his ‘Cup’ grown men were seen crying,
Sixteen months later their hero lay dying
though not before travelling to far away lands
for the world to run with him, the history still stands
of how Pharlap destroyed them with a breathtaking run
and the world stood in awe of Australia’s great son
Oh that final bold surge on the Mexican sand
he vanquished great horses from many a strange land
With might and guns blazing he defied all the odds
and now up in heaven he runs for the Gods
©Henry Birtles