wonderful story of takeover target

Just goes to show that all a battling trainer needs is a good horse


TAKEOVER TARGET - his classic tale of triumph over adversity represents every horse owners dream – the story of an Aussie Battler and a horse that nobody wanted. Bought as a 3yr old in 2003 for less than $1400 by a struggling hobby trainer, his dodgy legs meant he would not race until he was 4. His owner Joe Janiak drove a taxi by night, slept in a caravan at his stables and trained his horse with the help of his sons when he wasn’t sleeping or driving. When he finally got Takeover Target to the track for trials, the horse behaved like a barrier rogue and hit Joe’s head which then required 30 stitches. The horse finally got it right with a win in a 1200m maiden at Queanbeyan and went on to win his next six starts including the Ramornie Handicap at Grafton and the Salinger Stakes at Flemington. Returning from a spell in 2005, Takeover Target appeared to lose form, failing to win in 6 starts before taking out the Doomben Summer Stakes in record time of 1:7.88. In 2006 won both the Lightning and the Newmarket, went to Royal Ascot where he won the King’s Stand, ran 2nd in the Golden Jubilee and 2nd in the July Cup at Newmarket before heading to Japan to win the Sprinter’s Stakes at Nakayama. Was named Australian Champion Sprinter for the 2005/06 season and Global Sprint Campion 2006. Raced until 2009 picking up several more wins at home and abroad until he shattered a cannon bone in the July Cup at Newmarket forcing his retirement. During his career he won 21 races from 41 starts with earnings of over A$6million, meaning Joe and his sons don’t live in a caravan any more. Takeover Target will be reminiscing about the good old days with Might & Power and Fields of Omagh at Melbourne’s Living Legends home for retired champions. A beloved horse in Australia, he still makes an occasional trip to the track to lead the horses out on to the course for a feature race. A movie about his story is being planned.

Rags to riches story ! The dream for most owners around the world. Lekker for Joe Soap !

top horse remember his attempt at the double at Royal Ascot

a dream come through. I'll be looking out for the movie.

Another horse name "Takeover Target" made its debut today at Wolverhampton.

The real original Takeover Target was a legend and even winning at Royal Ascot.

I see its Irish bred. Surely the Irish Racing Authorities and British Horseracing Authority should have his name exempt because Takeover Target as a unique story and his legendary record.