Neil Callan and Son Jack: A Father-Son Rivalry on the Racetrack

Neil Callan, a seasoned jockey with a storied career spanning Ireland, Britain, and Hong Kong, has faced countless competitors across the globe. From Group 1 victories to high-stakes races at prestigious tracks like Newmarket and Sha Tin, the 46-year-old has seen it all. Yet, in 2025, a new dynamic has invigorated his passion for racing: the chance to compete against his teenage son, Jack Callan, an apprentice jockey carving his own path in the sport. Their father-son relationship, both on and off the track, is a blend of mentorship, rivalry, and mutual respect, offering a compelling narrative in the world of horse racing.

Neil’s career is a testament to resilience and adaptability. Born in County Kildare, Ireland, he began as an apprentice at The Curragh before moving to England in 1998. His journey took him from champion apprentice in 1999 to a multiple Group 1 winner, with notable victories like the 2005 Middle Park Stakes and the 2025 July Cup on No Half Measures, a 66-1 outsider. His decade-long stint in Hong Kong, where he won 283 races and over £37 million in prize money, showcased his ability to thrive in one of racing’s most competitive arenas. Despite challenges, including a 2021 suspension in Hong Kong for disrespecting stewards and a 2025 eight-month suspended ban for inappropriate social media use, Neil has remained a formidable figure in the saddle. His return to Britain in 2021, driven by family priorities, marked a new chapter—one now enriched by Jack’s emergence.

Jack Callan, now 18, began riding as an amateur jockey at 16 in 2023 and quickly transitioned to a licensed apprentice. His breakthrough came in August 2024 with his first winner on Longuerue at Yarmouth, an 18-1 longshot. Since then, he has notched 18 victories from over 150 rides in 2025, including a ride at Royal Ascot. Despite a frightening fall at Newmarket in August 2025, where he clipped heels on Spring Bloom and was hospitalized, Jack’s determination mirrors his father’s. He escaped serious injury and was back in the saddle soon after, showcasing the grit that Neil has long embodied. Jack’s rapid rise has placed him in direct competition with his father, creating a unique dynamic where family ties meet professional rivalry.

On the track, the Callans’ relationship is defined by a competitive edge tempered by pride. Neil, nicknamed “The Iron Man” for his durability, has expressed a dream of racing against Jack, even joking in 2021 that he couldn’t retire until Jack had beaten him in a finish. That moment is now a reality. Jack, inspired by his father’s work ethic, draws on Neil’s advice, such as keeping his horse relaxed during races like the 2023 Amateurs’ Derby at Epsom. Their races together are not just about crossing the finish line first but about proving themselves in a sport that demands precision and courage. Neil’s experience contrasts with Jack’s youthful ambition, yet both share a relentless drive to succeed.

Off the track, their bond is one of mutual support and shared passion. Neil’s decision to return to Britain from Hong Kong was heavily influenced by his family, including Jack, then 14, and his two younger sons, Henry and Ted. The Callan family’s time in Hong Kong, where Jack even picked up some Cantonese, strengthened their closeness. Neil has been a guiding figure for Jack, not just as a jockey but as a father. When Neil suffered a freak accident in 2024, fracturing his spine and breaking ribs after a tree branch incident, Jack, despite nursing his own broken arm from a horse-related mishap, helped his father recover. This mutual care extends to Neil’s mentorship, offering Jack insights from his global career while allowing him the freedom to forge his own path.

The Callans’ story is more than a sporting rivalry; it’s a testament to family and legacy. Neil’s pride in Jack’s achievements is palpable, whether it’s Jack’s first win or his resilience after a fall. Jack, in turn, sees his father as an inspiration, striving to emulate his success while carving out his own identity. Their relationship, built on shared dreams and mutual respect, adds a heartfelt layer to their on-track battles. As Neil continues to defy the odds and Jack rises through the ranks, their journey together promises to captivate racing fans for years to come.