Dixon joins elite drivers with milestone win

CHAMPION Queensland horseman Grant Dixon has joined a select group of drivers.

Thanks to his success with Colt Thirty One at Albion Park just moments ago, Dixon has become just the fourth Australian to register  5000 wins.

The late Gavin Lang was the first to reach the milestone, with his tally resting on 6303.

Chris Alford was next past the mark, with the Victorian the nation’s most successful driver with 7705 wins.

West Australian superstar Chris Lewis rounds out the ‘fab four’ with 5916 wins.

Following his legendary father, Bill, into the industry, Dixon made his debut during the 1988/89 season.

Notching his first century in 1994/95, Dixon has topped the ton on 23 occasions, including the last 22 seasons.

With a personal best of 242 wins in 2009/19, Dixon has been among Australia’s top 10 drivers in 19 of the last 22 years.

Boasting 16 Group One victories, including the Queensland Derby a few weeks ago, Dixon’s drives have earned more than $28million.

Colt Thirty One, which rated 1:54.5 over 2138 during his latest win, has provided Dixon with three of those Group Ones.

“I was made aware I was getting close to 5000 wins a while ago and it has seemed like a long countdown since,” Dixon said.

“To be in the same club as the likes of Gavin Lang, Chris Alford and Chris Lewis, who are champions of the sport, is very humbling.

“I’ve had a lot of support along the way and I have to thank each and every person who has been there for me.”

HOOFNOTE: As a trainer Dixon is closing in on 3000 wins, with his tally sitting on 2937.