Contesting the prestigious July Cup-G1 (a straight six-furlong, or 1207-metre, race with a stiff hill section, then levels to the post), Takeover Target did well to finish seventh.

But soon after the race, the nine-year-old underwent surgery at nearby Newmarket Veterinary Hospital to stabilise a cracked cannon bone in his near hind leg he suffered during or after the race.

Our thoughts are with trainer, Joe Janiak, and connections, for the horse that brought racegoers many exciting highlights during his 41 starts, which resulted in 21 wins, six seconds and four thirds (for $6.019m earnings).

In the same race, Australian-bred and trained Scenic Blast was just behind Takeover Target in 10th place, and obviously not at his best.

But Scenic Blast also gave Australian enthusiasts huge excitement last month when he won the King Stand Stakes-G1 (six furlongs, or 1207m) at Royal Ascot (about 60 minutes drive west of London), a race Takeover Target won in 2006.

More coverage of Virginia Harvey's equine-themed tour of the UK in The Land, July 16.

Don't miss our Sires of the Season liftout in The Land's July 30 edition.