Max Delight, the 11-year-old pacing champion, remains focused on competing at the highest level, with trainer David Aiken identifying the Group 1 Victoria Cup at Melton in October as a key upcoming target. The veteran horse, renowned for his resilience and consistency, recently completed his fourth Inter Dominion final, an effort that Aiken described as “enormous” despite a challenging run.
During the $1 million Brisbane Inter Dominion final in July, Max Delight was caught wide and forced to fall back to last position before mounting a significant recovery to finish eighth. Driver Will Rixon, who was initially criticized for the performance, was defended by Aiken, who emphasized the unfairness of the criticism and highlighted the horse’s strong showing given the difficulties faced early in the race.
“He’s a freak of a horse,” Aiken said, noting Max Delight’s remarkable career that includes over $2 million in earnings from 38 wins and 55 placings across 165 starts. Despite his advancing age, the pacer’s recent form remains impressive, including a major victory in the $1.25 million Group 1 Nullarbor at Gloucester Park in April.
Following the Brisbane campaign, Max Delight has recovered well and is set to compete in the Club Menangle Alf Phillis free-for-all over 2300 meters on Saturday night, drawing outside gate 10. With Rixon currently traveling in the United States alongside former top Australian driver Todd McCarthy, Aiken has arranged for Amanda Turnbull to take over the drive. Turnbull boasts more than 2,600 wins, including 14 at Group 1 level, and has a successful history with Max Delight, having driven him to two wins and a third place in the Group 1 Len Smith Mile at Menangle last September.
Will Rixon plans to attend the prestigious Hambletonian meeting at The Meadowlands in New Jersey while overseas. He expressed enthusiasm about experiencing top-tier international racing and indicated he might compete in a few races himself during his stay.
Aiken remains optimistic about Max Delight’s future, resisting suggestions that the horse is nearing retirement and affirming that the focus remains on competing at the highest level in upcoming events.