Looking for a treble at ‘Headquarters’

PHEASANTS Nest trainer Peter Rixon and his wife Cindy are enjoying life in the tranquil surrounds of Sydney’s south-west where they train a small team of about 10 horses.

But things could have been somewhat different if not for a stroke of luck from a sudden wind change.

In December last year, the horrific bushfires that caused so much devastation throughout New South Wales landed right on the doorstep of the Rixon property and Cindy recalls that the family feared the worst when they were forced to evacuate and relocate their horses with little time to spare.

But a change in wind movement sent the fireball into a different direction, saving their property from being burnt out.

The Rixons have spent a lifetime in the sport, Peter working with his father Henry as a hobby trainer-driver and Cindy growing up at The Lagoon and learning her craft as one of the state’s leading reinswomen, under the tutelage of her famous father, A. D. (Tony) Turnbull.

So, it is no surprise that Peter and Cindy’s three children, Ellen and twins Will and Hannah, have followed their parents into the sport and are all currently driving in races with a degree of success.

Before the Covid-19 outbreak, Ellen and Will were clocking up many kilometres, travelling to race meetings all over the state.

For now, Team Rixon have to be content with racing at Penrith and Tabcorp Park Menangle and are supportive of the decision made by HRNSW to re-introduce regionalised racing, ensuring participants could continue to race their horses through the difficult time of the pandemic.

This afternoon Peter Rixon heads to Menangle with three runners and believes that they can all perform well.

“We have a nice filly, Im Presi Bell making her debut in the first today and she goes really well,” said Peter.

“She has had a handful of trials and there is a lot to like about her.

“From barrier one, she should go close to winning.”

Then there’s Ed Mendes, a two-year-old gelding contesting Race 2, that has had a handful of starts and most recently ran fourth at Newcastle, where he was not beaten all that far.

“This bloke is going pretty well this time in,” said Rixon.

“I am a bit concerned over his wide draw, but his last-start effort suggested that he was close to a win.”

 – MICHAEL DUMESNY