Callaghan’s American adventure gathers pace

Rising Australian reinsman Jack Callaghan is continuing to make his mark in the United States, adding a third win to his tally with a well-judged drive on Sargeant Sonny at Harrah’s Philadelphia today (Aug 22).

The victory came for New Jersey-based trainer Petter Engblom, and brings the 23-year-old’s US record to 50 drives for 3 wins, 4 seconds and 7 thirds since arriving at the end of July.

Callaghan, who has amassed more than 800 wins in Australia including seven at Group 1 level, made an immediate impact when he debuted at the famed Meadowlands earlier this month with a double on his first night of American race driving.

It was the perfect start for the young horseman, who had long dreamt of testing himself on US soil.

Born into a strong harness racing family in New South Wales, Callaghan honed his skills with his father Mark in Newcastle before stints with Luke McCarthy and more recently as a key driver for the Jason Grimson stable.

The US trip, which will extend through until the end of September, has been as much about learning and networking as it has been about chasing winners.

Callaghan has been based with Todd McCarthy – one of Australia’s most successful exports to the US – and has also visited the barns of high-profile trainers including Noel Daley, Brett Pelling and the Takters.

Racing at venues like the Meadowlands, Yonkers and Harrah’s Philadelphia, Callaghan has already broadened his experience. He has continued to pick up drives for a range of stables, including ex-pat Australians Daley, Shane Tritton and Aaron Lambert.

Callaghan’s early success has sparked inevitable speculation about whether he might pursue a longer-term career in America, but for now, he remains focused on returning to Australia with a broadened perspective to apply back home.

He admits he is interested in pursuing opportunities more permanently in the US in future, but says the opportunity to absorb the US system and its racing style is the most valuable part of his time abroad.

From Terry Gange for Harnesslink