Legendary Phar Lap was poisoned with arsenic

[Emy]

Hi Everyone,

While reading the paper online I discovered this..

Wraps off Phar Lap mystery

Scientists have confirmed the legendary Phar Lap was poisoned with arsenic, but say there's no way of tracing who was responsible.

In a groundbreaking study made public today, scientists at the Australian Synchrotron Research Program examined Phar Lap's hair and concluded the champion racehorse ingested arsenic about 35 hours before his death in the US in 1932.

The cause of the Melbourne Cup winner's death was one of Australia's greatest sporting mysteries.

"We analysed his hair for arsenic and yes, discovered two forms of arsenic there, one which was consistent with him consuming a dose just prior to his death," scientist Ivan Kempson told ABC Radio.

"Our results say so, they indicate that he ingested arsenic just prior to his death."

While science may have answered the question of whether Phar Lap was poisoned, it has not found a way to determine who gave him the fatal dose.

"All the material that we have can only indicate that he has ingested arsenic; we can't actually identify where it's come from," Dr Kempson said.

Dr Kempson said he was thrilled to be associated with the research.

"It's fantastic, it's really exciting and it's great to be involved with a study involving something as iconic as Phar Lap," he said.

A synchrotron is a type of particle accelerator that harnesses intense amounts of light, allowing scientists to analyse material with greater sensitivity.

AAP

http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/wraps-off-phar-lap-mystery/2006/10/23/1161455635533.html#