Yes Phar Lap is an absolute icon.
In recent years we've been blessed here to see sprinting champion Black Caviar (25 wins from 25, including a scrape-home win at Ascot despite muscle injury); staying champion Makybe Diva (won 3 Melbourne Cups in a row, never done before); and currently mid-distance champ Winx (has won her last 17 starts straight, including two Group 1 WFA Cox Plates). All mares. Go gals.
Thought I'd update this for Winx, who has now won 29 straight. On Saturday she became the first horse to win four Cox Plates. Pretty good horse, this one.