Max Delight. Photo by PacePix
Veteran New South Wales pacer Max Delight is the definition of a modern-day harness racing warrior, and his win in the $1.25 million Nullarbor at Gloucester Park on Friday night proved that and the great training feat by his mentor David Aiken.
Aiken’s effort to have the 10-year-old still racing at the elite showed that the Sydney horseman is amongst the best in the business.
Driven by one of New South Wales’ best, Will Rixon, Max Delight wound back the clock to defy his long odds of $23 to claim a narrow win over the fast-finishing local pacer Golden Lobe, the pair overhauling race leader Magnificent Storm who held on for third.
Rixon’s drive was perfect aboard the gelding, from gate three he secured the coveted one out, one back trail throughout the 2536m staying trip before making his winning move as the field negotiated the final turn.
Humble as always, Rixon spoke highly of the evergreen pacer’s effort on Friday night, giving all the praise to Max Delight’s resilience and toughness and the training efforts of David Aiken for the enduring preparation of the ageing warhorse to prolong his longevity on the racetrack.
“I am so lucky that I was afforded the opportunity to drive Max for the latter part of his career and obviously he is now a very special horse to me,” said Rixon.
“He is just a marvel that keeps turning up to be competitive against the best.
“All the credit for this win though must to go to 'Aikey', and his team.
“I am fortunate to be able to jump on race day, knowing that Dave will have him spot on and ready to go.
“It was a deserving pick up for owner his Mick Maxfiled as well. Along with Aikey he too has been a great supporter of mine.
“Mick has not been in the best health of late, I know how much the horse means to him, and what that win would have done for his mindset while battling illness, so that made it all the more special.”
There was no rest for Rixon after the event, as he boarded a 6am flight back to Sydney to compete at Menangle on Saturday night, before heading to Canberra Sunday where he took out his grandfather’s memorial race, The Henry Rixon Memorial aboard Toolajooa Beach for his father Peter.
