HAVING already matched her parents’ feat, Ellen Rixon has a prime opportunity to claim bragging rights over ‘the oldies’ this weekend.
Rixon is one of two people representing New South Wales in Saturday night’s Australian Drivers’ Championship, with her folks previously wearing the state’s colours on the national stage.
Rixon’s father Peter contested the 1988 Australasian Young Drivers’ Championship in Queensland, finishing at the rear of the field.
Her mother, Cindy (nee Turnbull), was runner-up behind Graham Ward in the 1991 Inter Dominion Young Drivers’ Championship, which was conducted in New Zealand.
This weekend’s will be Rixon’s second appearance in the ADC, having finished midfield in Tasmania last season.
“I’m really looking forward to being part of it and spending time with the other drivers,” Rixon said. “It was such an honour to represent New South Wales last season and to be asked again is a huge thrill.
“Hopefully I can do the colours proud.”
Although the least experienced driver in the event, Rixon is a sneaky chance of upstaging her ‘veteran’ rivals thanks to some favourable draws.
Rixon’s drives include All Hail Caesar, which has won its last two starts, Forte Courage, which boasts three wins from his last five outings, and Toolern Miss, which has two wins from her three recent starts.
“On paper it looks like a few of my drives have got good form which is good,” Rixon said. “Hopefully I can have a bit of luck on the night.”
Rixon will be joined by talented young reinsman Todd McCarthy who is also making a return to the Championship
McCarthy wore the state silks during the 2016 edition in South Australia, which was won by local reinsman, Wayne Hill.
During the same year McCarthy was triumphant in the Australasian Young Drivers’ Championship in Perth.
“It should be a bit of fun, but most of all, hopefully Ellen or I can come home with a win for the state,” McCarthy said.
“We’ve both got some reasonable drives, so we are in with a shot.”
McCarthy has also applauded Harness Racing SA for hosting the event and dedicating the meeting to the series.
“It’s great that South Australia is holding it again,” McCarthy said. “They did a wonderful job last time.
“I also think it’s awesome they have managed to put on the whole card giving all the drivers plenty of chances to earn some points and get a win.”
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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