Bathurst, Australia native Andrew McCarthy knows a little something about getting his name out to the masses. In 2007, McCarthy won his very first United States start
winning with Took Hanover in 1:49. The young Aussie will be looking for another memorable 'first' in his first Little Brown Jug start with Bunkmeister, who has drawn Post 2 in the first of the opening heat eliminations.
“I am trying to treat it like any other race,” noted McCarthy. “Obviously, I am very excited. Bunkmeister is a nice colt…we’ll see what happens.”
McCarthy started driving in his native Australia at the age of 16 and first came to the U.S. at the age of 21. He started driving in the U.S. for top trainer and fellow Aussie Noel Daley. In just three years in the U.S., McCarthy has recorded over 260 wins and $3.7 million in earnings.
McCarthy’s older brother, Luke, joined Andrew in the U.S. this summer. Luke has 16 victories in limited starts. Currently, the older McCarthy has the bragging rights for the biggest U.S. victory. Luke was a last minute replacementa last minute replacement on Muscle Hill in the $540,000 World Trotting Derby on September 5. Andrew’s biggest win came in the $82,700 Bluegrass Stake at the Red Mile in 2008.
“It was a great opportunity for Luke,” added Andrew. “He will be in attendance on Thursday and will then head to Las Vegas and back to Australia.”
The last driver to win the Jug in their first attempt was Mark MacDonald with Mr Feelgood in 2006.
To view the post position draw for the opening heat of the Little Brown Jug, click here.
(With files from the Little Brown Jug)