Phar Lap's heart to jump Ditch in style

Phar Lap in California days before his death in 1932

For years, New Zealanders have argued that Phar Lap is theirs, but have had only his skeleton to show for it.

But now the heart of the legendary racehorse is heading home, if only on loan for a month.

The huge preserved heart will be on display, next to the horse's skeleton at Te Papa in Wellington, for a month from January 27, after crossing the Tasman accompanied by two museum conservators.

The Wellington Racing Club, which is holding its centenary dinner at Te Papa on January 26, sought Te Papa's help in requesting the chance to exhibit Phar Lap's heart.

But granting permission for this wasn't a decision reached lightly by curators at the National Museum of Australia in Canberra.

The problem wasn't a reluctance to allow New Zealanders to see it, but ensuring that the organ was not damaged in travel, said Freda Hanley, general manager in charge of collections at the Canberra museum.

The heart, 73 years after the great galloper's death, is fragile and is displayed only periodically in Canberra because light could damage it.

"If this request had been for it to go to a non-museum environment, I think it is fair to say we would not have granted it," Ms Hanley said.

"A race club? No way.

"But when we realised it would be on display at Te Papa, in what are international museum standards, we knew it would be in the right environmental conditions, it would be safe and secure, so that is why we seriously considered the request."

After that, hours of research went into seeing if it was feasible to transport the heart by air.

"We left no stone unturned to make sure vibrations to the heart from travel are minimised," Ms Hanley said.

The museum consulted a vibrations specialist at the University of New South Wales.

The 6.2kg heart is currently on display in a new case, surrounded by a liquid called Wentworth's solution which prevents the organ from leaching colour.

Ms Hanley said that would have to be drained because it would increase the risk of vibration during travel.

The heart will then be placed in a specially built case for the trip to New Zealand and packed with water crystals which absorb vibrations.

The museum has said two conservators will accompany the heart on the trip to Wellington and back.

"We may even send three conservators if we think that is needed."

Wellington Racing Club committee member Gerry Morris was delighted with the gesture. "This is just unbelievable."

- NZPA