Back in 2003 when Joe Janiak attended a dispersal sale in Sydney he almost went home without opening his wallet. But whether through serendipity or plain good horsemanship, he was attracted to a bay gelding with a catchy name and a lot of attitude. Takeover Target cost the hobby trainer $1375 and, in the beginning, a lot of headaches. The four-year-old un-raced thoroughbred had bad knees and a worse temper but all Joe could see was potential. He was sure Target could win a few country races. It took time, patience, care and a lot of love, but within a year they were blazing a path through racing's history books. And not just at country races. Six wins in a row, including the prestigious Ramornie Handicap, put them on the map. They became the darlings of the turf. Then Target's win in the Lightning Stakes in Melbourne in 2006 attracted international attention. He was on his way to England, where he won the King's Stand at Ascot, and then Japan, where he won the Sprinters Stakes. Takeover Target became one of the most travelled horses in Australia. He earned over $6 million, more than any other Australian sprinter, until a career-ending injury ended his dream run in July 2009.