Hannah on the rise

19 August 2021

PHEASANTS Nest-based driver Hannah Rixon has joined the concession driving ranks, which are currently in a healthy state throughout New South Wales.

Hannah’s twin brother Will and her older sister Ellen are both regarded among the most talented young drivers in the Sydney region and while Hannah has not yet gained the experience of her siblings, she is quickly making ground on them.

Yet harness racing is not Hannah’s only passion in life as currently she is at university, studying to become a paramedic.

“I have always been interested in the medical field and look forward to one day being able to put into action what I am learning, I feel it will be very rewarding,” said Rixon.

Apart from studying and going to uni, Hannah works part-time for leading Southern Highlands trainer James Rattray and says that she has gained valuable experience from the Inter Dominion-winning trainer-driver.

“James is great to work for and it is not that far down the road from home, so working for him a few days a week is ideal,” said Rixon.

The young reinswoman recently returned from a working holiday in Queensland, where she teamed up with Crookwell trainer Scott Hewitt, who headed north to escape the winter with a big team of 15 horses.

“Scott was looking for someone to give him a hand, so I thought, ‘why not?’ and I have to say it was an enjoyable trip and I got a good number of drives up there,” she said.

“Towards the end of the trip I picked up a few handy drives.

“Chris Frisby was especially good to me, giving me drives on Uncle Jord, who is a really nice horse.”

Hannah heads for Penrith tonight, where she has three drives.

“I would have to say my best chance appears to be Fear The Eagle, a colt that my mum Cindy owns and is trained by my dad, Peter,” she said.

“He has not won since last November but does drop in grade after racing at Menangle at his past few starts.

“He ran fourth at Penrith three starts back and that was a pretty good run.

“He has drawn barrier nine, which is not too bad for him as I should be able to settle just off the pace.”

Rixon’s other drives include Sight To See (Race 1) and Team Of Starzzz (Race 3).