By Andrew Adermann
Governor Jujon has taken out the $50,000 Group 2 Club Menangle Simpson Memorial to cap off a trying week for Queensland’s leading trainer.
Governor Jujon started a $2.20 favourite on the TAB for Grant Dixon and did it with ease as he led from the start to record a comfortable two-length victory in Monday’s feature event at Menangle.
The minor spoils went to Mach Da Vinci after the colt stormed home late to run over the top of Smooth Baht, who had trailed the leader on the rails throughout the trip.
“We’re really happy with him and how he ran,” Dixon said.
“He’s come through in one piece and looks to have pulled up really well.”
It’s been an emotional start to the year for Dixon, whose father, Bill, tragically passed away aged 76.
A hall-of-fame trainer and legend of the harness racing industry in Queensland, Bill took out four straight national training premierships between 2008 and 2011 prior to his retirement.
“Dad probably would’ve preferred I went down and drove instead of going to his funeral,” Dixon said.
“Not sure if the family would’ve been on board with that though.”
Dixon and Governor Jujon will now begin preparations for a tilt south of the border, with the $200,000 G1 Woodlands Stud Victoria Derby top of the list for the 3YO colt.
“We’ll head down south now for the Derby and see how he competes at that level,” Dixon continued.
“If he goes alright down there then the next step would be the Sydney Derby before heading back home for a well-earned rest.”