Big Philou

Last updated
Big Philou
Sire Le Filou
Grandsire Vatellor
DamPink Lady
DamsireContact
Sex Stallion
Foaled1965
Country New Zealand
Colour Bay or Brown
Trainer Bart Cummings
Major wins
Caulfield Cup (1969)
VRC Queen Elizabeth Stakes (1970)
Underwood Stakes (1970)

Big Philou (foaled in 1965) was a notable New Zealand bred Thoroughbred racehorse. He was by the good sire Le Filou (imported from France) from Pink Lady by Contact and he was trained by Bart Cummings.

Contents

He is best remembered for the controversy surrounding his withdrawal from the 1969 VRC Melbourne Cup when as the hot favourite he was the victim of a doping scandal and was withdrawn from the race 39 minutes before the start.

Jockey Roy Higgins believed that the horse was a certainty to win the race.

Rain Lover went on to win the Cup and created history as the first back-to-back winner since Archer in 1861 and 1862.

Although he missed out on winning a Melbourne Cup the horse did record wins in the 1969 VATC Caulfield Cup, 1970 VRC Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Autumn) and the 1970 VATC Underwood Stakes. [1]

Pedigree

Pedigree of Big Philou
Sire
Le Filou

1946

Vatellor

1933

VatoutPrince Chimay
Vasthi
Lady Elinor Teddy
Madame Royale
Fileuse

1941

CasterariFiterari
Castleline
DiseuseDiomedes
Boxeuse
Dam
Pink Lady

1956

Contact

1931

MarconigramAbbots Trace
Marcia Blanche
Air LadyMagpie
Bandurria
Cuddlesome

1948

Red Mars Hyperion
Red Garter
FondleLeighton
Caress

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References

  1. ASB - Big Philou (NZ) Retrieved on 2009-6-19