Rixon closing in on the Premiership lead

He is currently one of the hottest properties in the New South Wales harness racing driving ranks.

And 23-year-old Sydney reinsman Will Rixon has taken his talents to another level in recent weeks.

Rixon finished the 2023 season in second place behind Cameron Hart in the NSW Drivers’ Premiership.

But his more recent performance in the gig has him arguably in the best form of his career.

A four-win haul at Tabcorp Park Menangle at last Saturday night followed by a double at that venue on Tuesday afternoon took Rixon’s tally to 110, propelling him within striking distance of bridging the gap between he and the reigning champion in the race for the 2024 premiership.

As of Wednesday, there are just 10 wins separating the pair.

With Hart currently taking an overseas break, Rixon will be doing his best to put a further dent in the deficit, but modestly claims that is not at the front of his mind.

“Keeping tabs on the premiership table and monitoring my stats is not something that occupies my mind, to be honest,” said Rixon.

“But I am happy with my current form and I hope that can continue.

“I will just do my thing, put in the hard yards to prepare myself and take each race as it comes.

“Cam [Hart] is one of the best drivers worldwide and I have no doubt that he will come back from his break eager for more success.”

Rixon will be in action again tonight at Penrith, which is another of his happy hunting grounds.

Of his seven drives, the most prominent is aboard the two-year-old gelding Jungle Dragon (Race 6), a last-start Menangle winner who will take on the older horses over the1720 metre sprint course.

Drawn poorly in gate six, the NSW State Bred Final winner has shown above average ability scoring in three of his nine starts to date and placing in two others.

“We have had no luck with the draw tonight, but Jungle Dragon is racing so well since joining Dad’s stable six weeks ago,” said Rixon.

“If there are any concerns other than the wide draw over the short trip, it is that this will be his first run in three weeks without having a trial.

“That said, I am confident he will run an honest race and will be better for the outing.”

To view the form for Penrith tonight, click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW