The 10-year-old warhorse Takeover Target has been retired after the Joe Janiak trained globetrotter underwent surgery to have five screws pinned to a cracked cannon bone in his near-hindleg.

Janiak told the Racing Post that, “Thankfully, it’s all good news following the operation,” at the world renowned Newmarket Veterinary Hospital.

“Tests showed Takeover Target cracked a cannon bone and vets had five screws inserted in his damaged leg.”

“He will now be box-rested at the hospital for a couple of months before returning to Australia.”

“He seems fine after the operation and he needs rest.”

“He has been a fantastic horse and we have had some great adventures with him.”

A $1250 bargain buy, Takeover Target shot to prominence after he toyed with his rivals in taking out the 2004 Salinger Stakes at Flemington

He would go on to win six Group 1 races and more than $6million in prizemoney for connections from just 41 starts. Takeover Target won races in every state in Australia and on three different continents.