Callaghan caps off a great success

4 May 2023

SATURDAY night proved a healthy pay day for talented young reinsman Jack Callaghan.

The 21-year-old had his most successful night to date at Tabcorp Park Menangle by landing four winners on the program that featured the Australian Pacing Gold Bullion finals.

Three of Callaghan’s wins came in the APG finals which bolstered his bankroll and consolidated his standing as one of Australasia’s best reinsmen.

And the wins by Peaceful in the three-year-old fillies’ final and Sweetheart Bart in the three-year-old colts and geldings’ division continued the successful partnership he and Cobbitty trainer Belinda McCarthy have developed since Callaghan joined the powerful Sydney stable two years ago.

Later in the evening Callaghan capped off a night to remember by driving Madrid to an effortless win in the four-year-old mares Gold Bullion Final for trainer Jarrod Alchin. 

Tin Tin Jo set the scene for Jack’s successful night despite starting at big odds ($15) in the opening event, the Jason Grimson-trained filly scoring by a half head margin.

Despite being beaten in her qualifying heat, Peaceful was sent out as the well-supported favourite and led throughout to turn the tables on arch-rival Jewel Melody. 

Sweetheart Bart and Madrid started at prohibitive odds and gave their supporters little concern about as both led and never appeared in danger of defeat.

“It was a great night for me,” said Callaghan. 

“It is not every day you are able to land four winners, let alone at a metropolitan meeting.

“All three feature-race winners were impressive and I am so grateful to the respective owners for having the faith in me to drive their smart horses.” 

Callaghan returns to Penrith tonight where he has four drives on a track that often proves his happy hunting ground.

He will partner the Belinda McCarthy-trained Spirit of Arion, who is likely to go out as the odds-on favourite in the opening race.

The New South Wales Derby finalist ran third at Goulburn on April 23 after racing without cover and should strip fitter for having that solid hit-out.

“He looks to have a good winning chance despite drawing poorly,” said Callaghan. 

“If he can get around the field without having to work too hard, I think he should prove hard to beat.”