Rixon lands dream Meadowlands double

24 August 2026

ADAM HAMILTON 

WILL Rixon’s US holiday took an exciting twist with two winners at the famed Meadowlands track in New Jersey on Sunday morning (Australian time).

Rixon had just four drives on the 13 race card, but managed two wins, a third and a fourth.

He won on his first drive of the night aboard the Joe Gulotta-trained $2 favourite Pack Your Bags in race two.

Rixon then finished third on former Down Under pacer Jilliby Dynamite in race three before causing a huge upset and winning race six on $28 chance Casino Action for trainer Ricky Bucci.

His last drive of the night came in race seven when fourth aboard Third Pillar.

“The experience over here has been amazing, to see how they do things,” he told HRNSW. “To pick up a couple of winners was really exciting and something I didn’t expect to do.

“I want to thank everyone back home for the support and for tuning in to see how I went.

“I’ve got a bit longer here and then I can’t wait to get back home and pick up where I left off.”

Rixon plans to return to Menangle driving on September 5.

He is the latest Down Under driver to turn heads at The Meadowlands with Dexter Dunn and Todd and Andy McCarthy the obvious.

Lauren Tritton has also built a fantastic US record in a place where females get few opportunities.

Brad Chisholm continues to make his mark, while James Herbertson made a good impression last year.

Despite his success, Rixon said he had no plans to explore a move to the US in the short term.

“No, I’ve got lots left to achieve back home before I’d think of that,” he said. “It might be different for people like ‘Herbie’ (Herbertson) and Cam (Hart), who have achieved so much, but I’ve still got to build my record in the big races back home.”

One of Rixon’s big goals is to land his first spot in the Ladbrokes Ultimate Driver Championship at Albion Park next February.

The Meadowlands success can only boost his hopes.