PALEFACE
ADIOS
Paleface
Adios (1969 - 1989) was an Australian harness racing horse
which competed as a pacer throughout the 1970s and early
1980s.
He
raced from 1972 to 1981, (from a 2YO until he was retired
as an 11YO) at a time when there was top competition from
the likes of the "Bathurst Bulldog" (Hondo Grattan,
"Robbers" (Robalan) and "Steelo" (Pure
Steel).
Paleface Adios was foaled on 1 November 1969, at Temora,
NSW and was by Deep Adios out of Rayjen.
He was trained and driven throughout his career by Colin
Pike, and was owned by Colin's wife, Shirley Pike.
He was a standardbred racehorse of a chestnut colour with
a white blaze and feet, and a golden mane.
He was nicknamed The Temora Tornado, in honour of the town
where he was bred and trained. He raced with a 'daisy cutting'
action which gave the impression that his feet were not
touching the ground with each stride that he took.
Paleface Adios won 108 races over his career of 240 starts
and more than $500,000 in prizemoney. He however made an
inauspicious debut at Sydney's Harold Park as a 2 year old
when he fell, as a short priced favourite.
He started in an incredible seven consecutive Miracle Mile's
at Harold Park (one of Australia's Grand Circuit races which
is invitation only) winning once in 1976. He never won Australasia's
biggest race, the Inter-Dominion but did win eight heats
of the event.
At one time he held the world record for 1000m following
a time trial at Hawkesbury, New South Wales.
During the 1970s, Paleface Adios became a household name
in Australia, especially in Melbourne. Harness racing was
featured weekly on Saturday night TV as part of the popular
live variety show The Penthouse Club. His clashes with Hondo
Grattan (the Bathurst Bulldog) were legendary.
In early 1990s Paleface Adios was included in a satirical
song honouring Australian sporting legends presented by
Graham and The Colonel on ABC TV's The Late Show.
Paleface Adios died at Temora, NSW, on 11 December 1989.
It is believed that this was a result of a snake bite but
this was never confirmed.
He is commemorated by a life-sized monument in Hoskins
Street, the main street of Temora
