Talented 23-year-old reinsman Will Rixon has been entrusted with helping care for high-class Victorian-trained runners prepared by Margaret and Paddy Lee for the upcoming Inter Dominion series in New South Wales.

With the Lees occupied by other commitments, including the racing of Keayang Zahara in New Zealand, the Rixon stable in Pheasants Nest has taken on the working with the team of elite horses alongside Paddy Lee and Matthew Horsnell.

“They have all seemed to travel well and they’re handling the heat here this week in Sydney really well,” Rixon said, reflecting on the team’s progress after arriving in New South Wales to begin their interstate campaign.

The 2024 Inter Dominion series has three rounds of heats. The first will be run over 2030 metres at Newcastle on November 29, the second, covering a shorter 1730-metre distance, will take place at Bathurst on December 4, before the last stretches to 2300 metres at Menangle on December 7. Points will be awarded based on finishing positions in these heats, with the top pacers and trotters advancing to respective 2300-metre grand finals at Menangle on December 14.

“I think they will handle the back-to-back racing well because they’re trained by the Lee family, so they are in the right hands,” Rixon said.

Rixon will partner Keayang Chucky and Aldebaran Vera in the first round of heats at Newcastle on Friday, with Jack Callaghan driving Keayang Stuka.

Rixon shares his insights on each of the runners below:

NEWCASTLE – Friday 29 November

Race 6 - Tab Inter Dominion Trotting Championship - (First Qualifying Round Heat 1)

#2 Keayang Stuka (Trainer: Margaret Lee  / Driver: Jack Callaghan)

Rixon says, “This race seems suitable for Keayang Stuka as he has a good draw.”

Race 6 - Tab Inter Dominion Trotting Championship - (First Qualifying Round Heat 1)

#10 Keayang Chucky (Trainer: Paddy Lee  / Driver: Will Rixon)

Rixon says, “Not the worst draw for Keayang Chucky and he seems to be the pick of them in my opinion.”

Race 7 - Tab Inter Dominion Trotting Championship - (First Qualifying Round Heat 2)

#10 Aldebaran Vera (Trainer: Paddy Lee  / Driver: Will Rixon)

Rixon says, “The first heat looks tough for Aldebaran Vera from her barrier.”

Multiple other Lee-trained runners have also made the trip to New South Wales to compete in accompanying races throughout the carnival including Rockin Gemma, Kosimo, Isthisjustfantasy, Rocknallovertheworld, Keayang Wasabi and Keayang Sadie.