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)
I only got to know you for a
I only got to know you for a short period of time. You always told me you were going to go back home.
You and your wife are first class people that run a first class operation.
Thanks for giving me the chance to drive Duece Seelster in the Gold Final,setting the track record with Mystical Starlight and the others I have driven for you.
I hope to see you at KD before you go but if not, all the best to you and Karina.
Gooday Mate,
Gord
The best of luck to you
The best of luck to you Darren. You are a class act and it was a pleasure to have met you at Classy Lane a couple years ago. I think in the near future there will be alot more good horsemen relocating out of Ontario to avoid the turmoil that the ORC has put this industry in. Again, the best of luck to you
I feel very fortunate to
I feel very fortunate to have met & dealt with Darren & Karina over the past year with our trotter Mystical Starlight under their care.
They are extremely fine, hard working horse people and anyone who knows them will agree that the WEG circuit will not be the same without their presence.
I wish them the best of luck, I know they will do well.
Glen Hobin.
In reply to I feel very fortunate to by Harnessbuff
I will miss Darren very
I will miss Darren very much, as he trained our horse Sequoia Seelster and recently Lyons Elite. Always a professional and really great guy. i wish him nothing but success and hope everything works out for him. Harness racing needs more people like Darren. Again good luck Darren and all the best. It was a pleasure knowing you.
Garry Law