The boys are back from Europe and ready to feature

Three of New South Wales’ leading harness racing drivers will make their way back to Tabcorp Park Menangle this Saturday night (Aug. 12) following a mid-season ‘hiatus’.

Current premiership frontrunner Cameron Hart, along with the in-form Will Rixon and a consistent Jack Callaghan all make their return to the state’s premier track as things begin to hot up in Sydney with the TAB Eureka carnival fast approaching.

The trio were joined by prominent Western Districts reinsman Mitch Turnbull, tripping around Europe and, according to Rixon, it was a great experience and he is now refreshed and ready to pick up where he left off before heading overseas.

It has been a stellar season for Rixon, who is currently third on the drivers’ tally with 98 wins and it appears inevitable the 22-year-old will record his first century of wins since taking out his licence in 2016.

“It is good to be back, I just hope I have not forgotten how to drive,” said Rixon.

“It has been a wonderful season for me so far and I have really worked hard to position myself to have the opportunities to drive as many winners as possible.

“The break has been refreshing and something I felt I needed.

“Now I am ready to hook back into it all.”

But there is no easing back into the gig for Rixon as on Saturday he has six drives, including an important one for his father Peter aboard in-form mare Im Presi Belle in the Group 3 Club Menangle Ranji Bill Stakes.

Coming off a last-to-first victory at Menangle at her latest outing, the five-year-old mare is one of the favoured runners for the feature, despite drawing wide to start from gate seven.

Her adaptable racing style is her greatest asset and is certain to see her prominently placed.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW