For more than five years Takeover Target inspired hope, joy, excitement and character.
His story captured the imagination of racing fans, but it was the big bay horse himself who won their hearts.
At Randwick tomorrow comes the chance to say goodbye.
The Australian Jockey Club has organised a farewell party for Takeover Target who was retired earlier this year after breaking down in the July Cup at Newmarket in England.
He raced in four countries, five Australian states, at 17 different tracks.
He won races from where it all began in Queanbeyan to Grafton, to Flemington in Melbourne Cup week, to England's Royal Ascot.
But it was at Randwick where he gave his first real hint of what was to come when he scored his maiden city win there in May, 2004.
Owner and trainer Joe Janiak had bought him as a tried horse almost a year earlier after his previous connections had grown impatient waiting for the gelding with dicky legs to come right.
His dreams were modest he hoped Takeover Target could develop into a handy country sprinter so when he won his first stakes race at his fifth start, Janiak had to pinch himself.
''I am lucky to have had the opportunity to experience this in my lifetime, I've been in the caper for 38 years and never had a horse as good as this but it is all just good luck,'' he said at the time. ''I am just hoping I'm making all the right decisions.''
All those Takeover Target touched during his five-year racing career will have their own memories, their own special moments, their own special wins.
But one that stands out for those lucky enough to be at Randwick on April 18 this year was his TJ Smith victory.
It wasn't his biggest win. It wasn't his most significant.
But it might have been his best.
In an awesome display of speed, power and athleticism, Takeover Target bounced to the front from his outside gate and gave his rivals which included another star in Apache Cat windburn.
The official margin was 234 lengths.
Now Takeover Target will get the retirement he deserves.
On the final day of the Melbourne Cup carnival at Flemington, the biggest and brightest star will be at Randwick.
AAP