Scott Dixon in ambitious move to switch training operation to Southwell

All-weather trainer Scott Dixon has revealed plans to move his entire operation to Southwell racecourse from next month.

The 31-year-old trainer operates from his father Paul's Haygarth House Stud at Babworth, near Retford, but plans to move 25 miles south to the recently refurbished training yard at the Fibresand venue.

Southwell racecourse hopes to have its floodlights operational next month

Dixon, who has had most of his wins at Southwell, including 51 in the last five years, will make the move in conjunction with the track's owners Arena Racing Company, who are installing floodlights around the circuit.

The move makes sense for Dixon, who is seldom without a runner at the track, and he will be equally at home if Arc decides to replace the Fibresand surface with Polytrack or Tapeta in the coming years, which is a possibility.

Only a few years after many people thought the track could close due to persistent flooding problems, Southwell appears to be on the up, with a big lighting show being prepared for the floodlit launch on Saturday, March 30.

Dixon said: "I've done a deal with Arc to lease the yard at Southwell, which they have invested a lot of money in, and I'm hoping to move there in a month's time.

"I'm starting off with 40 boxes with options for more, and it's fair to say the premises have every bell and whistle you could wish for.

Southwell has totally refurbished its on-course yard which is adjacent to the five-furlong chute

"It makes sense for us as we've so many runners at the track, and also Arc have made a massive investment in the place with all the flood defence work and now the floodlights.

"A few years ago people were saying Southwell was finished, but it seems it's a smart operation that is very much on the up."

Dixon's best horse in recent times was Brocklesby winner Cock Of The North, who went on to be placed at Group 2 and Listed level in 2014.

Sam Cone, PR and communications director for Arc, said: "Scott has been a tremendous supporter of the racecourse throughout his training career and, as such, we very much look to welcoming him and his team and working with them at Southwell.”

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