view raw text
PHAR LAP AT AGUA CALIENTE Australias Champion Racer Reaches Mexican Track to Train for His Engagement in Agua Caliente Handicap AGUA CALIENTE, Mexico, Jan. 27. Never has been given a greater reception to a thoroughbred that crossed the international line than was accorded to Phar Lap, king of the Australian turf, upon his arrival here this morning. The handsome animal, which was vanned down the Pacific coast from Ta nf oran, by easy stages, arrived at the border at 11 a. m. and was greeted by a delegation of officials and horsemen headed by president James N. Crofton of the Agua Caliente Jockey Club. After photographs had been taken and the necessary paper signed, Phar Lap was hustled to the track, where he was lodged in his palatial barn preparatory to training for the Agua Caliente Handicap, for fwhich he will be one of the favorites. Phar Lap stood the trip in excellent fashion and appeared quite fiisky when unloaded. He left Tanforan on Monday and spent Monday night at Menlo Park. After a long trip Tuesday he was bedded down at Hamilton Cottons Ranch at San Clemente on Tuesday night and completed his journey today. In all, Phar Lap has coveied approximately 10,000 miles, by rail, water and van since he left his native shore many weeks ago. The six-year-old. champion of the Antipodes was accompanied on his trip from Tanforan by assistant trainer Woodcock and exercise boy Jimmy Martin. Among those to welcome him on his arrival in San Diego was D. J. Davis, half owner of the animal, while H. R. Telford, part owner and also trainer of the "Red Terror," is at present en route from Australia in company with jockey W. Elliott, who will have the mount in the Agua Caliente Handicap. Phar Lap was the lone horse in a six-horse padded van and traveled in exceptionally comfortable style. Owner Davis intimated that Agua Caliente fans would be given a glimpse of the horse when he would be jogged around the course between races either today or tomorrow.
