Darren McCall Returning Home

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Published: December 8, 2010 10:11 am EST

Australian-born trainer Darren McCall is returning to his native land after an eight-year stint in North America

. The 40-year-old came to North America in 1998 to work for trainer Ross Croghan in New Jersey before venturing to Ontario in 2002.

"I always intended to go back home, I've never kept that a secret," McCall told the Woodbine Entertainment Group's media department. "I learned a lot here (in North America) and experienced a lot, that's what kept me here for so long.

"This idea started about five years ago between my wife and I (to return home in 2011). We wanted to do this before we got too old and still enjoy what we do for a living. This was a five-year plan, and we're into the fifth year, so it's time to go."

McCall has had notable success while stabling in Ontario with the likes of top pacing mare Carolina Sunshine, who retired with over $1.3 million in earnings and is a Woodbine Racetrack and co-World Record holder, as she recorded a 1:48.4 mile over the suburban Toronto track in 2003.

Other top performers from the McCall barn include two-time Breeders Crown champion Corleone Kosmos, millionaires Southwind Tempo, Tug River Princess and Deuce Seelster, who competed for McCall while in Ontario.

McCall plans to return home in late January, in time for the Australian yearling sales. He plans to have a stable of six waiting for him when he arrives.

McCall also plans to take Ice Ice Baby, who competed in the Ontario Sires Stakes program this year, with him to Australia. He and his wife own the three-year-old daughter of Modern Art, who was just a $9,000 yearling purchase.

(WEG)

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