ROYAL RANDWICK FAREWELLS TAKEOVER TARGET
ROYAL Randwick will farewell a legend on Saturday, 7 November when the 10 year-old super sprinter Takeover Target parades for his Sydney racing fans for the last time.
After winning more than $6m in prize-money, Takeover Target, with his owner-trainer Joe Janiak, will parade for the public before receiving a special presentation.
Races have been named after the people’s champion and his laconic trainer and the course will be a sea of red and black for the day.There will be a host of Takeover Target giveaways and a range of merchandise available to commemorate the once-in-a-lifetime achievements of the lovable horse.
Sydney’s racing public is urged to come to Royal Randwick to show their admiration for the horse that became one of the greatest stories in the history of Australian racing, said AJC acting chief executive Darren Pearce.
“What a great occasion for race patrons who have followed the brilliant career of this amazing equine athlete,” Mr Pearce said today.
“This horse is just such a great story from his unwanted beginnings to his triumphs at Royal Ascot.
“And here at Royal Randwick, we are delighted to kick off his round of farewell appearances.
“After all, this is the scene of his first city race win over five years ago and he was the draw card to get punters back to the track as Royal Randwick opened its doors for the first time in months after the scourge of Equine Influenza.”
The champion sprinter, his trainer and long-time jockey Jay Ford will be at Randwick for the farewell celebrations.
Takeover Target will parade in the mounting yard between Race 4 (the Takeover Target Farewell Handicap) and Race 5 (the Not Your Average Joe Handicap).
AJC Chairman Ron Finemore, AO, will make a special presentation.
It will be a day for the family at Randwick, with free Takeover Target donuts, tattoos and badges. Posters, caps and T-shirts showing the gelding’s race record will be on sale. There will be a jumping castle and face painting for the children.
Joe Janiak will be available for book signing and race patrons can have their photographs taken riding Takeover Target through the magic of digital photography.
Takeover Target had 21 wins from 41 starts since then cab driver Joe Janiak bought the horse regarded as a broken down racing proposition for just $1375.
His blistering wins included the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot, in 2006.
Takeover Target last raced at Randwick in April this year, producing one of his best performances to thrash five Group 1 winning rivals including Apache Cat and Northern Meteor and win the $500,000 Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) in record time.
But time and injuries have now caught up with Takeover Target and he is being retired.
“Back in April a frenzied crowd here gave him a sustained standing ovation,” Mr Pearce said.
“This time round, race patrons will be able to farewell him with the warmth and affection that acknowledges a truly great champion and of course the super efforts of Joe Janiak to keep him racing at the highest level for so many years.”
“For the AJC and Royal Randwick, it is a privilege to host this event.”
AUSTRALIAN JOCKEY CLUB MEDIA RELEASE
Contact: Rod Allen 0419692856
