Val Rixon turns 90 today – pictured with her late hubby Ralph Rixon (Pic – Kind courtesy of Kathi Kotzen)
The Sporting Post pays tribute today to a grand and wonderful lady of the turf.
Val Rixon turns 90 and becomes South African horseracing’s newest nonagenarian.
Val’s father was the wine maker at Constantia and she learned to ride as a child. She rode in the halcyon days of the Cape Hunt. How we miss those wonderful school holiday memories!
An accomplished work-rider, Val was crowned the then Northern Rhodesian Champion jockey in 1966.
Kathi Kotzen told the Sporting Post this week that Val Rixon is a ‘living legend’.
“They don’t make them like Val, any more,” laments Kath, whose own Mom Judy Wintle is made in much the same mould!
Val’s late husband Ralph, he of Jamaican Music fame, passed away in July 2022 at the age of 90.
Jamaican Music, their best horse, won the Durban July 48 years ago. This photo should evoke some memories.
Jamaican Music wins the 1976 Rothmans July
And if that doesn’t date you, nothing will. None of us are getting any younger.
Have a wonderful 90th birthday Aunty Val and wishing you many, many, more!
