Named for the Spartan town of Pharis, he was owned and bred by leading French horseman, Marcel Boussac.

His 1939 performances were such that a match race was being organized against Blue Peter, winner of England's 2,000 Guineas and Epsom Derby.

Pharis stood at stud at his owner's Haras de Fresnay-le-Buffard in Neuvy-au-Houlme in Orne where he notably sired Ardan in 1940 and whose 1944 performances would be the basis for Pharis earning that year's Leading sire in France title.

Following the end of the War in 1945, Pharis was recovered by his owner and returned to stud duty at Haras de Fresnay-le-Buffard.

Pharis was a very important and influential sire, producing at least 37 stakeswinners with 56 conditions race wins.