Fairytales do come true if you believe and Takeover Target is that yarn

It was an improbable success story that emerged from the Australian turf, embodying the quintessential rags-to-riches narrative that captivates thoroughbred owners and trainers. In July 2003, Joe Janiak, a taxi driver and amateur racehorse trainer based in Queanbeyan, NSW attended the Inglis Winter Thoroughbred Sales. Little did he know that the horse he acquired that day would become one of the most cherished and accomplished racehorses of the contemporary era. Joe's attention was drawn to a robust, long-legged gelding named Takeover Target, who had yet to race in 3 years. Despite warnings that the horse's unconventional conformation posed daily challenges, Joe placed a bid of $1,375 and secured the animal, noticing a velocity Heart Rate Max reading well above that of the average galloper. Takeover Target was out of the sire Celtic Swing, (by Damister) a former European sprint champion who won the French Derby in 1995 and was the highest-rated 2yo in history, but a very average producer of winners as a stallion. His dam was Shady Stream (by Archregent) an unraced daughter of the AJC Widden Stakes heroine Merry Shade.

Undeterred by the cautionary advice, Joe took a chance on the discarded horse, embarking on a journey that would take him across Australia and eventually to international prominence. But somehow, 20 years ago, Takeover Target and Joe Janiak found their way onto the big stage, along with an unknown jockey called Jay Ford. Janiak had gone from a caravan at his local racetrack, the full-time taxi driver and part-time horse trainer, to hobnobbing with the racing elite around the world, but despite this he never changed his hardnosed demeanour. Over a five-year period, Takeover Target participated in 41 races, achieving 21 victories, including eight at the highest level, even though he suffered many set backs with a range of injuries and failed to race until the age of four.

His first victory was at the Queanbeyan Racecourse in a 1200m race in April 2004. Other major wins during the season were in the Pacesetter Stakes (now the Takeover Target Stakes) at Gosford and the Ramornie Handicap held at Grafton, both listed races. His major Gr.1 victory was in the Salinger Stakes at Flemington in the same year.

Once again plagued by injuries, Takeover Target was unable to compete for six months. After this period of rehabilitation, he returned to win a trial at the Gold Coast in preparation for two stakes races at Doomben. He finally regained his winning form, capturing the Gr.3 Summer Stakes at Doomben in December 2005. This victory marked the commencement of another incredibly successful campaign, highlighted by the sprinter's impressive track record time of 1:07.88. This run comprised the Newmarket Handicap and Lightning Stakes at Flemington. He also achieved the distinction of becoming the second horse to win three major Gr.1 sprints at Flemington, following Maybe Mahal. Takeover Target won races in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, England, Japan, Singapore, but was however sensationally scratched from the final leg of the Global Sprint Challenge after returning an irregular swab.

Trainer Joe Janiak firmly stated at the time that he would never again campaign Takeover Target in Hong Kong. He made this decision after accusing officials there of concealing investigations into a complex attempt to sabotage runners.

The horse had demonstrated his incredible prowess internationally, securing wins and placements in three foreign countries, accumulating over $6 million in prize money. One of the best sprinters in Australian horse racing history, Takeover Target, travelled far and wide, winning sprint races all over the globe in a career that spanned six seasons. Among his notable achievements are the, Gr.1 Lightning Stakes and Newmarket Handicap in 2006, the Gr.2 King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot, the Grade 1 Sprinters Stakes in Japan, the Gr.1 Doomben 10,000, the Gr.1 KrisFlyer International in Singapore, the Gr.1 TJ Smith Stakes at Randwick, and the Gr.1 Goodwood at Morphettville in May 2009 at the age of 9.

Takeover Target, as a remarkable sprinter, achieved notable success in the UK, placing in the prestigious Gr.1 Golden Jubilee at Royal Ascot on two occasions. Throughout his racing career, wherever he travelled the horse consistently demonstrated exceptional talent and determination, captivating racegoers of all ages with his tenacity, bravery, and unwavering will to win. Regrettably, his promising trajectory was cut short when he sustained a severe cannon bone injury during his fourth visit to the UK, specifically in the 2009 July Cup held at Newmarket in England. Joe made the decision to conclude the gelding's racing career. 'Archie', as he was affectionately known to Joe and his son Ben, subsequently relished a life of opulence by the beach at the trainer's estate. Regrettably, in June 2015, Archie sustained an injury during a freak paddock accident, necessitating euthanasia.

The Hall of Fame inductee (2012) will be eternally remembered as one of the most illustrious champions in the annals of thoroughbred racing. His unexpected rise to prominence transformed the lives of many and solidified his status as a genuine sporting legend. Given that he was a $1400 purchase by Janiak that went on to win six million, this was indeed a unique tale of triumph for both horse and trainer which will always hold a place of great honour in the history of horse-racing. Joe Janick today still has interest in a few runners and a couple of broodmares that he services every year, but retirement after three heart attacks, six stents, a pacemaker and a valve put in has quietened him down a fair bit. Life has been relaxing for the former cab driver who once toured the world with a handy little racehorse.

RACE RECORD - 41: 21-6-4

EARNINGS- $6,028,311

Salinger Stakes (G1) (2004)

Lightning Stakes (G1) (2006)

Newmarket Handicap (G1) (2006)

King's Stand Stakes (G2) (2006)

Sprinters Stakes (G1) (2006)

Doomben 10,000 (G1) (2007)

KrisFlyer International Sprint (G1) (2008)

T J Smith Stakes (G1) (2009))

The Goodwood (G1) (2009)

Australian Champion Sprinter (2006)

World's Highest Rated Turf Sprinter (2006) rating: 121

Global Sprint Challenge Champion (2006)

Australian Champion International Performer (2006, 2007, 2008)