Episode 422: Craig Rixon

Craig Rixon was one of those jockeys who flew under the radar for most of his twenty year career. He concentrated largely on provincial and country tracks, but lacked nothing against the top riders whenever he came to town. He quit the saddle in 2006 and immediately joined the ranks of jockey agents. He took to his new career with ease. Craig talks about some of the jockeys he’s managed in recent years.  He makes special mention of talented apprentice Anna Roper who was making headlines before she suffered a complicated knee injury last November. Craig speaks highly of Donovan Yeo, a former South African jockey who’s getting close to making his Australian debut.  He says he was very small when he began his apprenticeship with Kevin Wallis at Hawkesbury. Craig had more than the required number of barrier trial rides before applying for his ticket to ride in races. He was shattered when he got a refusal at the first attempt. He looks back on his first race ride at Newcastle. Craig talks of the ten year old boy who helped him with his riding gear in the jockey’s room. His first winner came at his 17th race ride in 1984. He has a photograph on the wall at home. It’s the only racing photo he displays. Craig has never forgotten his first city win on a horse trained by the remarkable Betty Lane- the first female trainer to be licensed by the AJC. He recalls the transfer of his indentures to Rosehill trainer Ted Stanton. Craig looks back on the wonderful support he received from Stanton. He remembers some of his winners for the stable and the tuition he received from veteran jockey Cliff Clare. Rixon talks of the WA filly Ted Stanton looked after during a Sydney preparation. He handled her in all of her trackwork and is adamant she’s the best horse he ever rode. He remembers the part he played in a Randwick win on a Stanton trained horse which landed a huge plunge.  The former jockey talks about his rewarding association with astute Hawkesbury trainer Jack Jury. Together they won a string of races with the precocious two year old Dapper Magic in the early 90’s. He recalls winning rides on other Jury trained horses.  Craig talks of the support he received from high profile trainers during his years at Rosehill. He makes special mention of Barry Lockwood. He looks back on two winning quintets on country tracks. Craig talks of his “sea change” in 2003. He actually built a house at Port Macquarie and spent three happy years riding on the North Coast. He won many races including a string of country Cups. Nowadays Craig not only manages a handful of jockeys from his Newcastle office, but actually supplies form analysis to fellow jockey managers. He concludes with one special memory from a Rosehill meeting over twenty years ago. He got a handshake and a greeting from the man who held the highest office in the land. He was stunned. It’s a laid back chat with the man they call “Cricket”.