Rixon hoping for sentimental glory

26 December 2022

IF you ask members of the Turnbull family what race they would most dearly like to win, understandingly it is the Shirley Turnbull Memorial, the feature event introduced by the Bathurst Harness Racing Club back in 1987, one year after the passing of one of the most significant matriarchs the industry will ever know.

Shirley and her legendary husband A. D. (Tony) Turnbull created a dynasty that continues to make a valuable contribution to harness racing and will live on through the generations.

The $50,000 race is the highlight on the Bathurst Club’s Carnival Of Cups program tonight and the couple’s son Steve has two runners engaged to be driven by his children Amanda and Mitch while Steve’s nephew Will Rixon will also contest the race.

For Will, driving in his grandmother’s Memorial is special to him, particularly to represent his mother Cindy, the youngest of Shirley and Tony’s six children.

Rixon is the first to admit his drive, Kid Montana from the Rickie Alchin stable is not one of the favoured runners but nonetheless is excited to be heading to Bathurst on what is an annual pilgrimage.

“Grandmother’s race is one that all of our family members love to be a part of and strive to win,” said Rixon.

“It means so much to me that I am involved tonight to represent my mum, dad and sisters.”

“And I will be doing my level best to win it – that’s for sure.”

Kid Montana is coming off an eye-catching third last time out behind Mach Shard at Tabcorp Park Menangle and his chances have been enhanced by him drawing gate one.

From the pole, Rixon believes that he has a few options with how he will position Kid Montana in the run and nominated Rock Fisherman and Jilliby Kung Fu as those he was keen to take a sit behind.

“I am confident that we will get every chance to gain the right run from the one barrier,” he said.

“I am sure that my guy has enough speed to hold up for as long as I feel to need to and then decide what to do thereafter.

“Quite a few of the runners are more fancied than Kid Montana but I feel he will give a great sight.”

Tonight’s Bathurst meeting is littered with quality across a strong eight-race program.