Fairy tale ends for Takeover Target nine years after Royal Ascot victory

One of the most frequently told fairy tales of the thoroughbred racing industry has come to an end with the death of champion gelding, Takeover Target.

The 15-year-old retired racehorse had to be put down overnight after a paddock accident at Lawrence, on the NSW north coast.

Takeover Target , sired by Celtic Swing out of mare Shady Stream, was purchased for a little over $1000 in 2003, but went on to win more than $6 million in prize money during his six-year racing career.

He did not make his racing debut until he was a four-year-old, but he certainly made up for lost time.

He won his first start at Queanbeyan Racecourse by seven lengths and remained unbeaten for all of 2004. 

By the time he retired in 2009, he had notched up eight group 1 wins in Australia, Singapore and England. Sydney jockey, Jay Ford, was on board for all but one.

Takeover Target’s owner Joe Janiak was also his trainer and with every win, the former Queanbeyan taxi-driver was thrust further onto the world stage.

The experience took the humble man from a caravan at Queanbeyan Racecourse to winner’s circles around Australia and the world, where he and his prized horse were the toast of the industry.

Their rags-to-riches story gave hope to frustrated owners everywhere.

Anyone who had the privilege of seeing Mr Janiak and Takeover Target together could not deny their special bond.

Takeover Target’s death comes nine years to the day since his emphatic win in the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2006.