Story by Xiaojia Cai
In Victoria’s harness racing industry, Maree and John Caldow are names that carry both recognition and respect. As long-standing figures in the field, they have not only witnessed the evolution of the sport but have also played a defining role in shaping it.
“John and I both grew up in the harness racing industry with both of our families involved,” Maree recalls. Their connection to the world of racing began early, rooted in family and carried forward through decades of shared experience.
John, one of Australia’s leading freelance drivers, has built a career spanning more than forty years. “He drove his 4000th winner in December 2024 (only the 5th driver in Victorian history to do so) and has driven in excess of 20 group one winners.” The milestone is both a personal achievement and a testament to his standing within the industry.
Together, Maree and John have trained over 1,000 winners, including eight Group One champions—forming what can only be described as a true powerhouse duo.
Yet beyond their professional achievements lies something equally remarkable: a relationship that has endured and evolved over decades.
Their story began in their teenage years, unfolding at the intersection of racetracks and everyday life. From their first meeting, to building a connection through a shared passion, and navigating life’s challenges side by side, their relationship has always been grounded in mutual understanding and unwavering support. They are not only partners at work, but anchors in each other’s lives.
This kind of enduring companionship turns their story into more than just a romance — it becomes a story shaped by the wisdom of growth and perseverance over time.
It is precisely this depth of deep love and genuine affection that led to their story being included in the Perfectly Matched book. Maree shares that she has known much-loved author Rachel Jayne Cassidy for over twenty years: “When Rachel Jayne was putting the book together, she asked if she could include our story in the book.”
For Maree and John, the invitation was both unexpected and deeply meaningful.
“Words cannot express the joy and excitement to open the book to our chapter and to have our life story right there in the pages.” Seeing their story in print was an emotional experience. “It is such a privilege and honour, and we feel so proud to be in it.”
More than a personal milestone, the book represents something lasting. “How special and lovely for our future grandchildren and families to be able to read our love story in the years to come.”
The meaning of being “captured” in this way came vividly to life on the day of the launch, unfolding like a treasure trove of stories. At the book launch held in Queen’s Hall at Parliament House, voices from across Australia, as well as France, Kenya, India and China, came together forming a shared, global resonance around love.
“The book launch was such a special day… Spreading the love and joy throughout Queen’s Hall at Parliament House was very special,” Maree recalls.
For Maree and John, it was more than a celebration of a publication. It felt like a gathering of lived experiences, an opportunity to hear others’ stories while sharing their own.
“We loved hearing everyone’s unique love stories and sharing ours.” In that setting, these stories no longer belonged only to those who told them. They resonated across the room, quietly connecting with the experiences of others.
If Maree and John’s story represent one path, meeting young and growing together over a lifetime, Perfectly Matched makes clear that it is far from the only one.
As Maree reflects, “The book also highlights the many and varied ways that we all find our partners. From young love like ours to reality TV and matchmakers.”
In a contemporary landscape where relationships are shaped by shifting expectations and endless choice, the paths to connection have become increasingly diverse. Through real stories, the book captures and responds to this complexity.
“The book is such a fabulous read — a real page turner,” Maree says. Rather than offering a single answer, it presents a collection of lived experiences — different journeys, different choices — allowing readers to rediscover the simple, often overlooked beginnings of love.
As Maree reflects in the book:
“You might think you want to get married when you’re 25, but maybe that person doesn’t show up until you’re 30. Who cares about waiting? Enjoy life and make the most of every single day. We’re so lucky to live in this beautiful world.”
In a time, shaped by algorithms and an overwhelming array of choices, Maree and John’s story feels especially grounding. It reminds us that love does not follow a single path—and that what matters most is choosing each other, again and again, over time.
For more of Maree and John’s story, Maree can be followed on Instagram at@maree_caldow.
