Hit-and-run mission pays off for Rixon

While many New South Wales harness racing trainers have already headed to Queensland for the Winter Carnival, there is one trainer who opted to travel south on Saturday night.

Peter Rixon made a hit-and-run mission to Melton with his star mare Im Presi Belle (Mach Three) for the $24,000 Allied Express Mares Championship and the five-year-old made it six wins in succession when she came with a flourishing run from last to first to score by a neck against a quality field.

With regular driver Will Rixon committed to driving in Sydney, his father called upon champion Victorian reinsmen Chris Alford to take the reins behind the bonny mare and his timing was spot on when he made a move with 400 metres to travel, claiming victory in the shadows of the post.

The daughter of Mach Three has had her fair share of niggling hoof problems throughout her racing career, but through patience and perseverance from Rixon and owners Peter and Loretta Dewsbury, Im Presi Belle is repaying them in spades, taking her record to 16 wins and 15 placings from 57 starts and banking more than $115,000 in prizemoney.

The Dewsburys raced Im Presi Belle’s dam White Thunder, who as a juvenile, took all before her winning multiple feature races before being retired to stud.

“It is a great thrill for Loretta and me to have another mare racing at the top level,” said Dewsbury.

“All of this would not have happened though if it was not for the efforts of the Rixon family.

“Peter and Cindy have done an amazing job with her, and she is credit to them.

“We raced her mum White Thunder, and she was a star, but had never really thrown anything until this mare came along. She certainly left the best for last.

“I guess the part I love most about this girl is her will to win and the way she can track any speed.

“Whether they go fast or slow, she can still produce a sharp sprint which is a great asset for her to have.”

Near capacity fields will contest a nine-race program at Newcastle this afternoon and Sydney trainer Lizzie heath is hoping that she has beaten the handicapper by placing smart three year old filly Killara Dragon on a quick turn-around from her win on Friday night in race two.

For complete race fields, click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW