Star man Jack Callaghan has ridden more than 800 winners, but he had to wait two-and-a-half years before securing his first Western Australian running race winner.
“I thought it would never happen,” said the 24-year-old racer from New South Wales, who is settling into life in WA.
Callaghan was thrilled when he finished a head second to Betterzippit with Spirit Of St Louis in the Nullarbor final race at Gloucester Park in April 2023.
“That was my second or third ride here, and I thought it was easy to come second in a million-dollar race,” he said after riding Friday night at When In Vegas to win the opening event, the $21,000 WA Derby Prelude at Gloucester Park. “It took me a little longer.”
Speaking about his future plans, Callaghan said: “I’ll probably be here for the next few months and hopefully look forward to working with Never Ending heading into the WA Pacing Cup. If I keep getting drives I’ll stay here.”
Callaghan had his first ride behind the Greg and Skye Bond-trained When In Vegas on Friday evening as he took full advantage of the coveted No. 1 barrier by setting the pace with the $9.30 odds holding on to win ahead of the fast-finishing Elite Fleet ($23).
Lincoln Lou, the $2.50 favorite from barrier two, was brightest to start but could not pass When In Vegas, who was able to dawdle through the lead time in 37.8 seconds. and the opening 400-meter section in 31.8 seconds. before increasing the pace by quarters of 29.5 sec., 27.8 sec. and 28 sec. while Elite Fleet enjoys a perfect track behind the pacemaker.
Chase Me, the $2.65 second fancy from barrier five, raced without cover before wilting to finish fifth.
“I was surprised I didn’t get any attackers, so I was happy to cut it (a slow, early pace),” Callaghan said. “I wasn’t worried when Lincoln Lou challenged early on. It’s a little difficult to ride from the inside barrier over the first stretch. But once When In Vegas was able to settle in, he was able to hold that horse quite comfortably.
“When In Vegas ran a nice third quarter and did well. I didn’t want to take him out, so I kept him rolling, and I think he knew where the line was. I wasn’t worried when Elite Fleet came in late.”
WHEN IN VEGAS REPLAY
This was the first metro class win for When In Vegas, who has earned $48,387 with five wins and seven placings from 19 starts. He is sired by American Ideal and is the second foal of Bettors Delight mare Hit It Rich, who retired after her 22 starts resulted in five wins, eight placings and $48,360.
Hit It Rich finished third on her only appearance in New Zealand in November 2016 before coming to WA, where she won four of her first five starts in the state in early 2017.
When In Vegas has earned an automatic start in the $200,000 WA Derby on October 31, with the Bond stable sure to have a strong hand in the classic with talented three-year-olds including Bettor Fortune, Troubadour, Belly Up and Rumble Strip vying for a place in the field of twelve.
“When In Vegas is a great little Westbred that we bred,” Ms Bond said. “Our top Derby prospects are Bettor Fortune and Troubadour. In terms of their work at home there isn’t much between them, but Bettor Fortune has more high speed.”
For full race results, click here.
Through Ken Casellasfor Gloucester Park
#Callaghan #winner #Western #Australia