Rixon name is growing stronger

It has been well documented that the Rixon family, who are based at Pheasants Nest, just south of Sydney, boasts a team that has tasted plenty of success in harness racing.

Of course, the highlight for them throughout their lifetime involvement in the sport was provided by their champion pacer Divisive (Live Or Die), the winner of almost $1.3 million who at the peak of his career won the 2008 Miracle Mile.

Peter and Cindy Rixon owned and trained the gelding, and he not only took them on a wonderful ride but also gave their three children, Ellen, Will and Hannah the impetus to each pursue their own careers in harness racing as they were “bitten by the bug.”

While eldest daughter Ellen is currently working in Victoria, twins Will and Hannah are making names for themselves at home, driving their share of winners and showing the ability that runs through their veins from a dynasty of greats in the sport.

Will is regarded as among the most talented and sought-after freelance reinsmen in Sydney while Hannah takes the majority of her drives aboard pacers trained by her father, although she is quickly matching her twin brother in popularity with outside stables.

The Rixon team, although quite small, has consistently found the winners’ circle in recent months and Hannah has driven most of them.

“I have had a really good run of late, for sure,” said Hannah.

“I have been afforded a lot of good opportunities lately, especially at Penrith and it is becoming a happy hunting ground for me.”

Rixon is hoping that her good run of success continues tonight (Jan. 19) at Penrith where she has four drives.

“Again, I have a really strong book of drives at Penrith but I thought my best drive would be in Race 2 with Fear The Eagle,” she said.

“Dad has this fellow racing really well at the moment; his win last week was quite strong.

“I guess my main concern is that he has drawn a little wide tonight in gate five but I feel that if we strike some luck early to find a good spot he is definitely a winning chance.

“Gigi Bob also has to contend with an awkward draw (gate seven) later in the night but can figure in the finish if she can find an ‘out’ at the right time.”

For complete race entries, click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW