The Will towards a major milestone

6 December 2023

AT the age of just 22 Will Rixon has been one of the most sort-after reinsmen in New South Wales harness racing for the past few seasons.

On Saturday night at Tabcorp Park Menangle the popular driver consolidated his standing in the sport, showing just why owners and trainers rate him so highly, with a winning treble.

Severe electrical storms and torrential rain delayed racing but Rixon, along with fellow leading driver Cameron Hart, dominated the meeting with the latter landing a quartet of winners to take his tally to a remarkable 990 winners from just six years of driving.

Rixon’s treble was highlighted by the win of bonny mare Im Presi Belle in Saturday night’s feature, the Teeny Teeny Stakes.

Owned by popular Sydney couple Peter and Loretta Dewsbury, the five-year-old is trained by Rixon’s father Peter, who bagged a winning double when Dance And Deliver made it back-to-back wins at headquarters.

Im Presi Belle, who is in career-best form, settled at the back of the seven-horse field but enjoyed a perfect trail and was poised to strike on straightening, before overpowering her rivals to score running away.

Rixon celebrated a special milestone earlier in the night when the Chris Judd-trained Western Style provided him with his 500^th winner.

When asked about the significance of achieving 500 winners in his short career, Rixon humbly explained that he was proud of his efforts:

“It is always satisfying to reach milestones,” said Rixon.

“They just remind you of why we put in the hard yards and helps us reflect on the support and opportunities we have been afforded along the way.

“I feel so lucky that I have been able to excel in what I consider to be my dream job, driving horses every day.

“My Dad, Mum and extended family have been, without a doubt, the backbone of my success.

“But then there is the raft of loyal owners and trainers who have stuck by me and had faith in my ability, which is all so very humbling.”