Paleface Adios

Paleface Adios Memorial in Temora, NSW

Front of the Memorial Statue

Paleface Adios (horse) (1969 - 1989) was one of the immortals of Australian harness racing, competing as a pacer throughout the 1970s and early 1980s. He in fact raced from 1972 to 1981 (from a 2YO until he was retired as an 11YO).

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 beautiful 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 is most well known for the incredible feat of winning 108 races over his career of 240 starts and more than $500,000. 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 in NSW.

Paleface Adios became a household name in Australia, and especially in Melbourne, during the 1970s at a time when 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.

As long after as the 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.