The Will to win

Will Rixon is recognised as one of the most hard working participants in harness racing and the talented reinsman never shirks his task when called upon to travel to tracks far and wide to drive at race meetings.

Rixon has just returned from Queensland where he spent two months as travelling foreman for the Rickie Alchin stable and driving most of their runners.

During his time in the Sunshine State, Rixon drove 18 winners, many of which were at metropolitan level.

Now back in Sydney, Rixon will remain working for the Alchin team and is looking to close off the season strongly and hopes that he can gain some success during the New South Wales Alabar Breeders Challenge series which gets underway at Dubbo on Friday night (Sep 2).

“I really enjoyed my time in Queensland, but it is good to be back at home,” said Rixon.

“Driving for trainers up there and also assisting Rick with the preparation of his horses was enjoyable and a great experience for me. We had some good success and I hope that I can do it all again into the future.

“My good run of success since coming back to Sydney has continued with plenty of opportunities bobbing up to drive some nice horses for local trainers and my parents currently have some handy pacers racing at the moment.

“My main goals are to compete in the upcoming Breeders Challenge qualifiers and finish off the season strongly with more winners.”

At Newcastle on Friday, Rixon has two drives on a strong 10-race program that is highlighted by three heats of the popular Wandiyali Hawkesbury to Hunter Series.

His first drive is aboard the Joe Rees-trained Mammals Riddle (Western Terror) that returned to some form with a third placing last Friday night.

And it was a strong effort by the gelding who after racing without cover fought on doggedly to only be beaten by just under five metres in a fast 1.56 rating for the mile journey.

Mammals Riddle’s last win was back in May at Newcastle and despite the long run of outs and a less than favourable barrier ten draw, Will believes the six year old has each way claims.

Later in the night, Rixon will drive the two year old Dance And Deliver for his father Peter and from gate three the gelding is his best winning chance.

For complete race fields, click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW