Race Day Quotes @ Royal Randwick

Published: 20 Jun 2015

In full flight - Champion sprinter Takeover Target was the fastest of his era

The atmosphere at Royal Randwick for Winter Stakes day was quiet as most attention focussed on the final day of the Queensland Winter Carnival and Royal Ascot in England.

Sad news of the passing of champion sprinter TAKEOVER TARGET filtered through news channels on Saturday morning as most of us sat back with a coffee to read the form. The "people's champion" had finished runner-up in Royal Ascot's Diamond Jubilee (then Golden Jubilee). A feat that BRAZEN BEAU replicated overnight.

A few selected quotes from the day are shown below.

"I'll get past the celebrations first. The wife, the accountant, the doctor, everyone is in him...!"

Michael Hawkes, trainer of GOD'S IN HIM.

Happy owners - God's In Him is owned by a close group of colleagues

"There's no point in burning the candle at both ends. It's a heavy track and they've got to be fit to handle it.

Glyn Schofield, jockey, after finding cover on winner SOVIET COURAGE.

"The last two runners have gone down there and I'll be looking to go there (again) later on."

Winona Costin, jockey of BERRY DELICIOUS and TIMELESS PRINCE, who both swept down the outside to win. She almost got the prize with COSMIC CAMEO in the next race.

Smart rides - Costin found the better ground and rode a double

"She's a little gem."

Kerrin McEvoy, jockey of Tatt's Tiara winner SRIKANDI.

"I might have the key to him!"

Josh Parr, jockey of Pajaro after another win on the Kolivos-owned galloper.

Keen to keep the ride - Josh Parr talks to Pajaro's owners

"It looks like he was laying down in his paddock and his leg just went from down him. It is very sad but we will have a beer for him tonight."

Joe Janiak, trainer of TAKEOVER TARGET, who passed away in a yard accident.

"Even if he'd never been anything special, I wouldn't have minded.."

Joe Janiak, trainer (source: The Age 2004).

Fairytale story - Takeover Target was the people's champion

"Being on his own, Brazen Beau lost his concentration a few times, but he showed his true Aussie spirit."

Craig Williams, jockey of BRAZEN BEAU, who came 2nd in the Diamond Jubilee.