Phar Lap with Jim Pike

Phar Lap's trainer Harry Telford commissioned noted New Zealand equine painter Stuart Reid to produce this striking portrait of Phar Lap and jockey Jim Pike in 1931.

Jim Pike was renowned as a jockey and even to this day racing experts and punters often say of a jockey that he 'rode it like J. Pike'. He is best-known for his partnership with Phar Lap, on whom he won 27 races from 30 rides, including the 1930 Melbourne Cup. Phar Lap is Australia's most famous racehorse. He attained legendary status before his tragic death in 1932 and this fame has continued to grow ever since.

The painting was proudly displayed in the Telford family home for the next 50 years, and was amongst a number of items donated to the museum by the Telford family in the 1990s.