Phar Lap remains Australia’s most famous racehorse, even 75 years after his death.

To commemorate the chestnut gelding’s special place in the nation's heart, the National Archives of Australia has chosen an 'Ode to Phar Lap', written in the days after his death, as its Find of the Month.

'During the Depression years, Phar Lap was Australia’s pride and joy as he won race after race', said curator Tracey Clarke. 'His greatest year was 1930, when he won a string of five races in the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival, including the Melbourne Cup'. But, at the height of his fame, Phar Lap died suddenly of unknown causes.

On 5 April 1932, only 15 days after winning the prestigious Agua Caliente Handicap in Mexico, Phar Lap was found in a state of distress by his carer and trainer, Tommy Woodcock. He died later that day in Tommy’s arms.

Copyright records in the National Archives reveal that Phar Lap’s accomplishments in life, and the mystery surrounding his death, have been a source of inspiration for many songs, poems and books.

'On 8 April 1932, just three days after Phar Lap died, the Copyright Office received an "Ode to Phar Lap"', said Ms Clarke, 'it had been written by a Mr R Kreymborg of Melbourne as a farewell to his hero, to be sung to the tune of the Irish rebel song "The Wearing of the Green"'.

The song's lyrics reflect the feeling of disbelief shared by many Australians: 'We really can't believe it yet that Phar Lap's lying dead'.

Suspicions arose that the champion horse might have been deliberately poisoned.

'The veterinary science of the day failed to offer a conclusive explanation for his sudden death, fuelling the rumours', said Ms Clarke, 'it wasn't until 2000 that specialists re-examined Phar Lap's autopsy reports and concluded that he probably died as the result of a bacterial infection'.

The Ode can be read on the National Archives website under Find of the Month at www.naa.gov.au.