Unfortunately we lost one of the legends and great stories of the turf last week in Takeover Target.
You could not script the story of an injured horse purchased for just $1,250(+ GST!) by a Queanbeyan taxi driver that went onto to win Group 1s all around Australia as well as victories in Singapore, Japan, and a celebrated multiple visitor to Royal Ascot.
His story was well recognised and celebrated. A great article by Ray Thomas in the Daily Telegraph painted the story of his rags to riches life.
He was inducted in the Racing Hall of Fame in 2012.
Huge kudos to the VRC and Perth Racing for celebrating the life and achievements of a modern day legend of the turf by naming races on Saturday in his honour.
But what were racing administrators in Sydney, Adelaide and Brisbane thinking? Did the board and management of the Brisbane Racing Club, the South Australian Jockey Club, and the Australian Turf Club even think of something similar – even when prompted by the actions of the likes of Flemington?
The shame is the lack of a coordinated approach. Did anybody from racing in Australia contact the Singapore Turf Club, Royal Ascot and Nakayama/Japan Racing Association where he had victories to ask for a celebration of the great sprinter?
Just consider the response from cricket around the world with the tragic death of Phillip Hughes and the loss of an icon in Richie Beneud. Remember how the AFL and NRL unite and remember if they happen to loose a legend of the game.
I would have loved to have seen a coordinated celebration that included a replay of a Takeover Target victory and the race crowd – celebrating by a minute of applause in a mark of respect for a great champion.
Ken Callendar and Mark Shean called him “The People’s Champ”, with his win as a nine-year old of the TJ Smith back in 2009.
But more importantly was the opportunity lost for racing. Congratulations to Perth Racing and the VRC! All other raceclubs should discuss their options. at your next board meetings.
On Sunday morning I sat watching the ABC’s Offsiders, eagerly awaiting the notes and observations of one Gerard Whateley – author of Black Caviar and a great racing man and historian. I though for sure he would say vale to such a respected legend of the turf. Perhaps there was not enough time on the programme, but another opportunity was lost.
A postscript with a personal story.
I was very privileged to have seen in person each one of Takeover Target’s overseas wins.
Japan was special as he came up against Silent Witness, and the best sprinters from Japan, and blew them away! It was possibly his best win.
I found myself in Singapore because of the match up against Hong Kong’s Absolute Champion (who tragically broke down) and had a few beers with Joe in the lead up.
Royal Ascot I was there with a big group – because it was Royal Ascot. Interestingly, a horse called Les Arcs ran in the Kings Stand and then won the Queens Jubilee on the Saturday. Les Arcs also won the July Cup at Newmarket three weeks later, beating Takeover Target. He then travelled to Japan and ran against him at Nakayama – four races and a 2-all split between two champions.
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