Rixon ready for Qld campaign

Have helmet, will travel.

Promising young reinsman Will Rixon has headed to Queensland to join his boss as they build on the winter carnival campaign.

Rixon, 19, is the stable foreman for Menangle horseman Jarrod Alchin.

Fresh from completing his driving duties last night (Saturday) at TABCORP Park, Menangle, Rixon immediately headed north to join Alchin as they prepare for tonight’s Redcliffe meeting.

Rixon will take two drives on the ten race program.

It’s the first time he has driven in the Sunshine State.

“I’ll be up here for the next couple of weeks and I’m really looking forward to it, Jarrod has the team going along nicely plus I’m looking to do as much driving as possible.” Rixon said.

To date this season, Rixon has driven 47 winners while he is approaching 200 for his career which commenced back on January 12, 2017.

He currently has a C3 concession claim.

Last year, Rixon combined with the Wayne Sullivan trained Cee Cee Ambro to win the Gr.2 $50,000 NSW Breeders Challenge 3yo Fillies True Blue Final at Menangle.

“This season has been pretty good and I’m grateful for the opportunities I’m getting but I’m keen to keep building on my numbers.

“I enjoy driving at Menangle but I like getting around to different tracks, it’s great for the experience and that’s why I’m looking forward to the Brisbane trip. They’ve got a great colony of drivers and I’m excited about driving at Albion Park, I went to Victoria last year and took some drives down there and really enjoyed it.

“Jarrod has some nice horses in his care and I’m hoping I might get a drive behind Mohs Em Down, he’s my favourite horse in the stable and I believe he’s got a real future.”

Rixon hails from a famous harness racing family, he is the son of Peter and Cindy (of Divisive fame) while his grandfather is the legendary A.D (Tony) Turnbull.

Naturally, Rixon rates the Miracle Mile as the race he would most like to win in the future.

His father won the event in 2008, his Uncle Steve (Smooth Satin) scored in the race back in 2001 while his grandfather won it back in 1974 (Hondo Grattan).

And like many, Rixon is a graduate of the mini-trotting ranks.

“It’s such a great grounding and so many good drivers are graduates of this pathway, I’ve made some really good friends from it too.

“I admire so many drivers but I believe Blake Fitzpatrick is the most underrated driver going around, he’s so polished.”

Rixon will drive again on Tuesday at Albion Park while he’s looking for more drives later in the week.

Chris Barsby