Takeover Target

Takeover Target

The Best $1375 Joe Janiak Ever Spent

You've probably heard the story of the Queanbeyan taxi driver who bought a broken down horse at a dispersal sale and ended up winning more than $6 million with him. But do you know the whole story?

The names Joe Janiak and Takeover Target are now synonymous with everything that's good and fascinating about racing: a modest, bushie trainer and a sprinter with dodgy legs and a worse temper who grew to trust and love each other and ended up winning 21 out of 41 races in four countries including three appearances at England's famous Royal Ascot.

In Takeover Target, author Lyndall Crisp unravels the intriguing story of this man and his brilliant horse. Joe began life in a German workers' camp in 1947 and grew up with his mother in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney, in heartbreaking poverty. But it was in those early years that his interest in horses began - and grew into a lifelong passion.

Takeover Target, despite an impressive bloodline, came from a family of racehorses with dicky knees. The owner of the dam gave up and sold her, in foal with Target, to a consortium of four Sydney businessmen who in turn despaired of them both and put them in a sale. Enter Joe Janiak.

This is not just another book about an international sprint champion - it's a behind-the-scenes detailed look at how one man's love for a broken down horse overcame enormous challenges to win the admiration of millions of people around the world - from punters and trainers to racing royalty and even the Queen.

This is the story of a knock-about jack-of-all trades who trained as a classical pianist, a man who slept in a caravan for 15 years so he could be close to his horses, a man who in the space of a few years became an international celebrity and an inspiration to hobby trainers everywhere.

It's the story of Takeover Target, a cheeky, accident prone, rising 10-year-old with an incredible will to win that saw him break records and win more awards than anyone can count.

Plus, of course, you'll meet the cast of colourful characters who make up Team Target. And what a bunch!

Takeover Target is a funny, colourful, interesting and irreverent yarn about two heroes of the turf that will appeal to anyone who enjoys a good read - whether or not they've ever been to a racetrack.

Takeover Target
Random House Australia
Author: Lyndall Crisp
ISBN: 9781741668971
Price: $34.95

Interview with Lyndall Crisp

Why did you decide to write this book?

Lyndall Crisp: A friend who's a publisher had been encouraging me to write a book for some time. His advice was to pick a subject I was passionate about. That was easy - horses have been my lifelong passion. I'd read about Takeover Target and after some initial research I knew his story, plus Joe Janiak's, would make a terrific book.


How much research went into this novel?

Lyndall Crisp: From the day I first met Joe to the day of the book launch [27/9/09] was two years and nine months. My research involved two trips to Royal Ascot in England, to Singapore, Brisbane and Perth to watch Target race (and of course Sydney). I spent many Sundays driving from Sydney to Queanbeyan to interview Joe at his stables and when he moved north I visited him at his stables in Coffs Harbour. In-between, I read several books on racing, interviewed racing correspondents [both here and overseas] and many other experts including equine vets as well as Joe's family, friends and neighbours. I trawled through hundreds of press clippings and watched news footage of most of Target's races.


Who will enjoy this novel?

Lyndall Crisp: This is not a novel; it's an official biography (non fiction). I hope anyone who loves a true story about two heroes who overcame advertisity to become international champions will enjoy the book.


How did you ensure Takeover Target was interesting and funny?

Lyndall Crisp: It came naturally. There were some great characters involved with Target and they all had terrific senses of humour. It was simply a matter of recording it, collecting anecdotes and observing the daily routine along the way. Target is a sweet and naughty horse who touched many hearts. Everyone had a Takeover Target story to tell.


Will readers relate to Joe Janiak?

Lyndall Crisp: Trainers, especially hobby trainers, will certainly relate to him. They will empathise with his dream of owning an international champion and be fascinated by the story of how he turned a difficult horse into a global star. Readers who love a rags-to-riches story, who enjoy a larrikin's humour and are interested in the personal story of a little Polish boy who came to Australia after WWII will all relate to Joe Janiak.


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