Racing veterans divided on Phar Lap vs Black Caviar debate

EXCLUSIVE: TWO of the last living links to Phar Lap are divided on whether Black Caviar is a better racehorse.

TWO of the last living links to Phar Lap are divided on whether Black Caviar is a better racehorse than the legend of Australian racing.

Bill Waterhouse, once the world's biggest bookmaker, and Bob Rowles, the Sydney jockeys room supervisor for seven decades, are both well into their 90s but their memories of Phar Lap have not faded with the passing of time.

Both men can vividly recall watching Phar Lap win at Randwick during the Great Depression and they also saw Black Caviar score at her only previous Sydney start two years ago.

On the eve of Black Caviar's bid to extend her unbeaten streak to 25 wins in the Group 1 $1 million Darley TJ Smith Stakes at Royal Randwick tomorrow, Waterhouse and Rowles had differing views on who might be the better racehorse.

Comparing racehorses from different eras - particularly two that raced 80 years apart - is certain to create robust bar room debate.

It's a bit like asking if Sir Donald Bradman, with a phenomenal Test average of 99.94, would be as dominant a batsman today?

Or how would Rod Laver go against Roger Federer, or Jesse Owens against Usain Bolt? Would Wally Lewis still be "The King" if he was playing against Johnathan Thurston?

Is Gary Ablett Junior a better Aussie Rules player than his father?

And is Black Caviar better than Phar Lap?

Waterhouse, 91, has a firm opinion on the matter, and he is in Black Caviar's corner.

"I saw Phar Lap as a boy and to my mind Black Caviar is a better horse," Waterhouse declared.

"Inarguably, she is a faster horse than any horse I've ever seen and I've been watching races and forming opinions since I was a kid and I'm 91 years of age.

"Her stride is the biggest I've seen.

"Bernborough also had a massive stride and Black Caviar's is, to my eye, a touch longer.

"She 'drops and extends' as only champions do.

"And what a magnificent big mare. I hope they keep her racing".

Rowles is now 97 and spent 67 years as supervisor of Sydney jockeys on raceday, only retiring in February.

He misses the camaraderie of the jockeys room and the privilege of being able to watch the greatest racehorses in action. He has a different view on the Black Caviar versus Phar Lap debate.

"I won't be going to Randwick (tomorrow) but I will definitely be watching Black Caviar," Rowles said.

"She has only been here once before (2011 TJ Smith Stakes) and her win was very good. She is champion, absolutely.

"But I saw Phar Lap. He's still the best horse I've seen. Bernborough, Tulloch, Kingston Town, they are all great horses and Black Caviar is right up there.

"She is as good a mare as I have ever seen. She beats them so easily."

Rowles recalled the day he saw Phar Lap and how he was left in awe of the famous racehorse.

It was October, 1931, and Phar Lap contested the Randwick Plate. He had only one opponent, Chide, and bookmakers didn't even bother framing a betting market on the race. Rowles said Phar Lap won at a canter.

"He was so good they were frightened to race against him," Rowles said.

"He is still the best I have ever seen. He was a great horse, he could do anything.

"But you won't see a better mare than Black Caviar. Sunline was good and I remember Flight racing against Bernborough and pushing him but Black Caviar has never been beaten and that says it all."