Driver Jack Callaghan.
Coming into the 2022 season, 20-year-old Sydney-based reinsman Jack Callaghan had only driven one Group 1 winner.
The youngster showed his ability in the gig from when he first started his driving career in the Hunter region, working with his father Mark.
But this year Jack has quickly established himself as a major talent on the Grand Circuit following the success of star open class pacer Spirit Of St Louis and the smart filly Steno.
Last weekend Callaghan took his Group 1 tally to five when he completed a feature double on consecutive nights, capturing both the Hunter and Metropolitan TAB Regional Championship finals.
Both of his winners are owned by the Xerri family who race their horses under the Sloys Company name, which Callaghan has had a lot of success with.
“I enjoy the Xerri family owned horses,” said Jack.
“Their stock is very well bred and reared and they send them to good trainers.
“Darren Xerri and his family have supported me well, as have both Adam Ruggari and Michael Doltoff, the respective trainers of Far Out Bro and Lets Get Rockin.”
Far Out Bro’s win at Newcastle on Friday night was dominant and the gelding will take a ton of beating in Saturday night’s State final at Tabcorp Park Menangle.
However, Callaghan has elected to drive Lets Get Rockin whose effort at Menangle was equally as impressive last weekend.
Chris Geary has been booked to drive Far Out Bro for Saturday’s feature.
“It was a really hard decision for me to choose between the pair," said Jack.
“I have a lot of respect for Far Out Bro and he will lose nothing by having Chris in the gig.
“Mick has Lets Get Rockin flying at moment. He gave me a really great feel last Saturday.
“The ease in which he won has swayed me to drive him in the final.”
Callaghan will again combine with Doltoff at Penrith tonight with two fancied runners in Duggee Sloy (Race 6) and Eve Croker (Race 9).
The Penrith Club would be pleased with the support of owners and trainers, extending their program to nine races.
Duggee Sloy resumed to racing, scoring most impressively at Menangle on May 3 and is likely to start at very short odds to make it back to back wins, while Eve Croker is having her first run since finishing second in the Gold Tiara.
