Takeover Target forced to retire

Takeover target's career was a rags to riches tale

The career of sprinter Takeover Target is over after he fractured a cannon bone in the July Cup at Newmarket.

The 10-year-old finished seventh behind Fleeting Spirit but it became clear after the race that he had a problem.

Trainer Joe Janiak said: "He's had five screws inserted and will be box rested at the hospital for a couple of months.

"He seems fine after the operation and he needs to rest. He has been a fantastic horse and we have had some great adventures with him."

Janiak famously bought Takeover Target in 2003 while he was still a taxi driver.

He won eight races at the highest level and was a regular visitor to Royal Ascot, although he had to miss this year's meeting because of injury.

He retires with 21 career wins and earnings of more than £6m.