Skip to main navigation Skip to main content

Weight In Numbers

10 May 2018

Share this page

Share on a platform

Or copy the page link

It has the potential to become a logistical nightmare.

Heading to any race meeting with multiple runners can be hectic and rushed.

So, just imagine heading into a ‘feature’ meeting with a total of 26 runners.

It’s no typo, the number is 26!

This is the scenario that leading horseman Grant Dixon is facing this weekend when he heads to Albion Park on Saturday night for the all QBRED race night.

It’s a unique meeting with all 10 races held for QBRED horses only, it features 6 feature events and caters only for 2, 3 and 4 year olds with total prizemoney in excess of $250,000.

While the Dixon stable has pumped out big numbers for some time in the Sunshine State, it also sets the standard on a national scale.

The Dixon stable has been the leading trainer in the country since the 2007/08 season when Bill (Grant’s father) prepared 243 winners.

Over the next three seasons, Bill Dixon prepared 242, 264 and 299 winners before handing over the full responsibility to his son.

And the black and white silks have continued to be a constant at the top of the leaderboard.

During his first full season (2011/12) as trainer, Grant prepared 265 winners.

In the following seasons he has led the way with numbers of 226, 260, 282, 246 and 282.

Naturally, he leads the ways this current season but only has a slender lead over Victorian trainer Emma Stewart.

On Saturday night, this is the biggest representation he has produced at a single meeting.

He is represented in every race with the exception of the opening event – the Listed $25,540 QBRED Triad 4yo Entires and Geldings Final.

But the stable look to have great chances in several other finals including the Gr.2 $50,540 QBRED Triad 3yo Colts and Geldings Final with quality performer Colt Thirty One.

The Victoria Derby winner starts from gate six in the 2138m feature and will start a dominant favourite following his crushing victory a fortnight ago in 1:53.2.

“If I had to nominate our best chance this weekend it would be Chester (Colt Thirty One), he looks very hard to beat from his front-line draw and his current form. Hopefully there are a few others throughout the night.” Dixon declared.

The bulk of the driving duties for the night are split between himself and his wife, Trista.

And for those wondering about logistics for the night, 2 trucks and 2 floats are required to transport the racing team to the track while all horses have their own racing tack.

That’s a lot of gear to be cleaned on Sunday!

It’s a case of all hands on deck with the staff; it must be run with military precision to ensure a smooth rhythm.

And any celebrations if triumphant on the night are most likely to be reserved until Sunday, at the earliest.

By then, everybody involved can probably exhale.

 Chris Barsby | RQ Web News | May 10