Callaghan adds Meadowlands win to growing resume

JACK Callaghan is the latest young Aussie harness racing star to drive a winner in the US.

Callaghan, 23, did it at the iconic Meadowlands track this morning (Sunday, Australian time) aboard Gazoo.

The win came during a working holiday for the young NSW-based star.

It followed 25-year-old Victorian star James Herbertson winning at The Meadowlands during his trip away a couple of months back.

And, of course, former Aussies like Andy and Todd McCarthy, Lauren Tritton and Brad Chisholm have all made their mark in varying ways in the US.

Callaghan has enjoyed tremendous success in Australia with over 800 wins, including seven at Group 1 level.

He has spoken previously about the possibility of following in the footsteps of the McCarthy brothers and others and given the US a serious crack.

Back in a 2022 story, Callaghan said: “Absolutely. For sure I’d like to give it a go in the U.S. when the time is right. I watch it closely. I really admire the hard work Andy (McCarthy) had to do going over when he was so young and putting so much into getting to where he is now, a star.

“Then you watch Dexter (Dunn) and now Toddy (McCarthy) doing what they’re doing… Of course, you think how cool it would be to do what they’re doing. But I need to keep building here first. I’m only young. I think you need to be at the top of the tree here and really prove yourself before you can think about trying things in the U.S.”

He’s achieved so much since then and you suspect the right timing is getting closer.

Callaghan’s Meadowlands win came just hours after two of his best mates and contemporaries, Cam Hart and Will Rixon, totally dominated the Menangle Saturday night meeting.

They drove six winners between them with Hart snaring the last four races aboard: Bella Danza, Shes A Warrawee, Classic Mission and Caulonia Courage.

Rixon struck early, winning the first two races on Royal Division and Max Delight.

The win came aboard nine-year-old marvel Max Delight was a highlight, given his blistering 1min48.9sec mile. It was just 0.1sec outside his career best.

It sets up ideally for a tilt at the $150,000 Group 1 Len Smith Mile on September 6, where the three best pacers in Australia – Leap To Fame, Swayzee and Don Hugo – won’t be there.

Hart and Rixon are also fighting it out at the top of the NSW state driving premiership with Robbie Morris. Hart leads on 116 wins ahead of Rixon and Morris on 114.

Hart also leads the Menangle premiership, but just by one win over Luke McCarthy with Rixon equal third on 21 wins with Callaghan.

by Adam Hamilton for Harness Racing Australia