Hard work pays off for Hannah

17 June 2022

PHEASANTS Nest-based driver Hannah Rixon is making the most of her twin brother Will’s absence, picking up drives on horses that he usually handles.

The 21-year-old is currently working part-time for Southern Highlands trainer James Rattray while she completes a degree in paramedics at Western Sydney University in Campbelltown.

“At times it can be a be a bit hectic juggling both,” said Rixon.

“But I get through it, and I am getting some good results with my driving.” 

Hannah scored a winning double at Canberra on Monday night, including long-priced winner Night To Remember for Michael Hawke, a trainer that she has had good success with in the past.

Rixon also guided Excellente to a solid win for Kiama trainer Lee Maddison.

“Excellente is up there with some of the most talented three-year olds in New South Wales,” said Rixon.

“My brother Will usually drives the horse, but he is away campaigning in Queensland, so I was lucky enough to be asked to replace him and he travelled so well for me on Monday night. 

“Night To Remember raced really well too.

“She was up against a handy field and did it easily in the end.

“Admittedly we enjoyed a gun run in transit, but I was impressed by how well she finished the race off. 

“I have had a lot of success driving for Mick and Melissa [Hawke] and really enjoy heading to Canberra to partner their horses.”

With more than six months of the current season remaining, Hannah has notched 13 wins and appears certain to better her 2021 scoresheet of 14 victories.

She will travel to Newcastle tonight where she has three drives for her father Peter Rixon. 

All three have sound recent form but Gigi Bob is the best-performed of the stable runners and is well graded in Race 5 tonight.

The honest mare has won six of her 14 starts this season and from 61 career outings has recorded 12 victories.

“Gigi Bob does look to be my best winning chance tonight from gate two,” said Rixon.

“She was held up at a vital stage at Penrith last week and got to the line really strongly when she got clear.”

Both Beauty Play (Race 1) and Sight To See (Race 2) are recent Penrith winners and with suitable runs tonight should figure prominently.