The countdown is on for leading reinsman Grant Dixon this weekend.
As it stands, Dixon is two wins shy of becoming the fifth driver in Australian harness racing history to partner 4000 winners.
He will join Gavin Lang, Chris Alford, Daryl Douglas and Chris Lewis as the only drivers to win in excess of 4000 races.
It’s rare air indeed.
Driving winners has come naturally for Dixon after commencing his career during the 1988/89 season, he is the winner of the Queensland premiership more times than anyone else and his record haul currently sits at 11.
His nearest rival is renowned horseman and now retired, Kevin Thomas with 9.
During the 2009/10 season, Dixon enjoyed his best season in the sulky with 242winners.
On six occasions, he has driven 5 winners at a single meeting – 4 times at the now defunct Parklands complex and twice at Redcliffe.
He has driven 9 Group One winners.
The best horse that Dixon has partnered is the incomparable Blacks A Fake, the greatest champion this country has ever produced.
Dixon partnered ‘Blackie’ at Parklands on the Gold Coast on February 9, 2010 when they combined to defeat Fox Valley Appeal and Destreos in a mile rate of 1:56.2 for 2100m.
And it looks like the milestone moment will eventuate this weekend with Dixon booked for a number of runners at both meetings, Friday afternoon and Saturday night.
The former Australian representative at the World Drivers Championship in Canada back in 2003 will take 4 drives on Friday while he has 6 bookings on Saturday night.
The Saturday night program is the opening night of the new look Queensland summer carnival which spans from November 26 through to December 17 with multiple features planned on each of the four nights.
Features this weekend include the $20,000 Lord Mayors Cup for the open class pacers while the support feature is the $15,000 APHRC Members Cup for the intermediate grade pacers.
And the proud Queenslander has key runners in both events.
Dixon will partner classy pacer Alleluia in the Lord Mayors Cup while his wife Trista handles The Pacman, both pacers have drawn well and loom as legitimate threats to the likes of Beaver, Avonnova, Glenferrie Hood and Caesars Folly.
Giant pacer Majestic Major has been withdrawn by Dixon after pulling up a little scratchy following track work this week.
“Both horses will need a little luck in the Lord Mayors Cup, it’s a good quality field and last week’s open proved that it will be highly competitive. I’m happy with both horses but we may need some good fortune on our side.” Dixon said.
“We noticed some swelling in the leg of Major so we had no option but to pull him out, we’ve been really patient with him and we weren’t prepared to risk him.” He added.
In the APHRC Members Cup, Dixon will partner big striding pacer Frankie Rocks who will start from gate six in the 2138m event.
The proven Gr.1 winner is resuming following his success in the Australasian Breeders Crown 3yo consolation at Ballarat on August 31.
The Rock N Roll Heaven gelding has not appeared at any public trials in readiness for this assignment.
“It looked a nice race for him and I’m prepared to give him his shot but I would’ve preferred to have a trial under his belt but time didn’t work with me.
“He’s a nice horse with some class about him but there are some handy types in this field so it won’t be any pushover but I expect a good showing.”
The Dixon stable will roll out several of their stars in the coming weeks with quality mares Get In The Groove and Cherish The Moment both spotted at the trials recently.
Another handy mare Feel The Faith is also up and about and plenty of options are available for the mares during the summer carnival.
Both Racing Queensland and the Albion Park Harness Racing Club have exciting plans in place to celebrate the momentous occasion.
