Peter Pan was foaled in 1929. By Pantheon, he was born near Sydney and was known for his unusual colouring.
Trained by Frank McGrath, Peter Pan took two Melbourne Cups in the 1930’s. We’re looking at those achievements, as well as at the horse’s background.
About Peter Pan
Peter Pan was well trained by Hall of Famer Frank McGrath Sr. Racing during the Great Depression came with challenges, but horses like Peter Pan, Rogilla, Chatham and Phar Lap helped to lift the gloom.
While all of those star horses were celebrities in their own right at the time, some including McGrath thought Peter Pan to be the best of them. They even believe he was better than the great Phar Lap which is some call.
In a stellar career which landed the horse two Melbourne Cups, Peter Pan took in 38 races. He won 23 of those and was placed in another seven.
As well as his Melbourne Cups, Peter Pan won the AJC Derby, the Melbourne Stakes twice and the Hill Stakes twice. He also took two Randwick Stakes, an AJC St Leger, the Craven Plate, the All Aged Stakes and more.
Peter Pan’s Melbourne Cup Achievements
Peter Pan is remembered for winning the Melbourne Cup twice. His wins came in 1932 and 1934. This is more remarkable, arguably, than the achievements of back-to-back winners. To miss out on a Cup but still come back and win is a great achievement. With luck, he could have beaten Makybe Diva to be the first triple winner.
Billy Duncan rode Peter Pan in the 1932 Cup. As so many winners do, he travelled near the rear for much of the race. He even managed to clip heels with another horse and almost fell. Peter Pan had to be bumped up back to his feet by stablemate Denis Boy.
Having recovered, Peter Pan launched a mighty late attack and won the race by a neck at the line. He even wore a visible grass stain on his face when led into the winner’s circle at Flemington.
Peter Pan had to fight off a disease in 1933 which nearly ended his life. He could not line up in the 1933 Melbourne Cup.
Having been nursed back to health and conditioned with great skill by Frank McGrath Sr, Peter Pan contested the 1934 Melbourne Cup and brilliantly, he won it again. This time being ridden by Darby Munro, he had a 9st10lbs burden to carry and went off at 14/1, but defied everything and everyone to score his second victory from an outside barrier draw.
