Killeen proving a rising star in US harness racing
By Tom Bennett
EIGHTEEN-year-old Jack Killeen is living the American Dream at the moment, writes Tom Bennett.
Born and raised in Jobstown, he has always harboured an ambition to become a professional harness racing driver in the US where the sport is on a par in popularity with thoroughbred racing and purses can reach up to $1 million dollars for some stakes events.
Jack Killeen from Jobstown was back in the winner's enclosure. Photo by Chris Gooden
That burning ambition became a reality back in August when a chance encounter with one of America’s top drivers Mike Wilder at the Irish track Portmarnock Raceway resulted in an offer to head over and try his luck on the big stage at Wilders local track The Meadows in Pennsylvania.
Only 17 at the time, Killeen made a start amongst the local harness racing fraternity and top trainer Paul Corey stepped forward to give the Tallaght native his big chance, allowing him the opportunity to work at his training establishment in Pennsylvania where he became involved with every aspect of conditioning and training racehorses.
Entered into a race aboard owner Diane Coes Dreamers Delight at the Meadows earlier last month, the combination came from behind to post a surprise win at odds of 8/1.
Killeen followed that win up with another great score a week later at The Meadows – this time aboard favourite Lyons King.
From watching DVDs and internet footage of his heroes Tim Tetrick and Yannick Gingras as a young boy, Killeen now finds himself in amongst these titans of trotting on a daily basis.
“I truly believe Jack has what it takes to make it to the top of our profession and he’s already demonstrated his ability to work hard and his talent in getting the best out of horses in his care,” said Mike Wilder.
For anyone wishing to follow Jack’s exploits and view footage of his wins, check out his Facebook page Jack Killeen.
TAGS Sport
