Scientists prove arsenic killed Phar Lap
Updated
Scientists have proven once and for all that champion Australian racehorse, Phar Lap, died from a lethal dose of arsenic.
Phar Lap, born in New Zealand, won 37 of his 51 races between 1929 and 1932.
Researchers have discovered that Phar Lap died from arsenic, which was ingested, rather than used in the taxidermy process.
Old documents have revealed the galloper's trainer, Harry Telford, routinely used arsenic as part of a tonic for Phar Lap.
Racehorse veterinarian, David McKellar, says it remains a mystery whether Phar Lap was deliberately poisoned by a single lethal dose, or an accidental overdose by the trainer.
"It, over a period of time, builds up to levels that would become more and more toxic to the body," he said.
"Obviously once the threshold of tolerance was exceeded, then you would get the onset of the clinical symptoms."
