Novice Rider Jake Callaghan Wins Camel Race at Jundah Outback Trail

What began as a spontaneous opportunity turned into a winning ride for Jake Callaghan at the Jundah Camel Races, the first stop on the annual Outback Camel Trail. Callaghan, a 30-year-old musterer with no prior camel-riding experience, accepted a friend's invitation to fill in as a jockey and ended up winning his first race.

“

A mate rang me up and said, 'Do you want to have a go?' I jumped at the opportunity.

"First race I didn't know what to expect, but once you get the hang of it you just go with it and follow its ears, and it will get you there," Callaghan said, describing the unique technique of "following its ears" that camel jockeys use. Without reins, the camels are guided by instinct to return to their base for feeding after the starting gun fires.

Callaghan's quick adaptation led to a successful outing, securing one win, a second placing, and three thirds. He noted the challenge of judging speed, adding, "There's only four in each race, but they poke along alright."

“

First race I didn't know what to expect, but once you get the hang of it you just go with it and follow its ears, and it will get you there.

Fellow competitor Kyrraley Woodhouse, who has been riding camels for 13 years, estimates they can reach speeds of up to 45 kilometers per hour. She is campaigning two new camels, Raygun and The Clown, on the circuit this year. Emily Parrott, riding the veteran camel Polished Copper, took first place in the Jundah Cup, with Callaghan's camel securing second.

“

It's hard to judge how fast you're going.

The month-long Outback Camel Trail began in Jundah and will continue through Bedourie, Boulia, site of Australia's longest camel race, and conclude in Winton. Despite challenging road and weather conditions following recent rains, the Jundah event drew about 300 attendees, thanks to the dedicated efforts of volunteers who worked for three days to repair the track.

“

They're still learning, they do what they want on the day.