Phar Lap| the legendary Australian racing horse| is as well-known today for his mysterious death as for his fabulous accomplishments in life. Beginning at the end|
the film flashes back to the day that Phar Lap| despite his lack of pedigree| is purchased on impulse by trainer Harry Telford. Phar Lap loses his first races| but
Telford's faith in the animal is unshakable. Suddenly the horse becomes a winner| thanks to the love and diligence of stableboy Tommy Woodcock. American-promoter
Dave Davis arranges for Phar Lap to be entered in several top races| where his "long shot" status results in heavy losses for the professional gamblers. Just after
winning an important race in Mexico| Phar Lap collapses and dies; though the film never comes out and says as much| it is assumed that the horse was "murdered" by
the gambling interests.