Growing up in the Southern Highlands, the 16-year-old grew up in running, working alongside his father Dean, an experienced trainer on the family’s estate in Marulan.
To date, Matthew has competed in 83 races and is looking forward to the opportunity to compete in more regular rides from his new base in Bathurst.
It was Nathan’s son Jett, a close friend of Atkinson’s, who persuaded him to move to The Lagoon and he jumped at the chance to learn from the Turnbull family, who have raised so many top riders over the years.
“It was a difficult decision to leave home at such a young age,” says Matt.
“Mom and Dad have given me so many good opportunities since I started driving at the beginning of this year, allowing me to interact with their beautiful horses.
“I feel like I have had a good foundation, my parents have taught me so much.
“But having the opportunity to work with Nathan and ride for the state’s leading trainer was certainly too tempting to pass up and so far I am enjoying my time at Bathurst.
“The Turnbull family are iconic in harness racing and it is a privilege to have the opportunity to be around them and see how they do things day to day.”
Atkinson will be in action tonight at Bathurst, where he has three runs of an extensive ten-race programme.
Each of his assignments is prepared by Nathan Turnbull, and all have reasonable chances of finishing in the rankings despite facing tough draws.
Matt will team up with Rusty Dancer in race one, followed by Line Me Up Bro in race two and Time To Torque in race five.
“I think all three horses have a fair chance of making it into the prize money if they get their fair share of the luck.”
“Rusty Dance went well last week when coming second, and Line Me Up Bro and Time To Torque are recent winners with good skills and both will continue provided they get a chance from their tough draws.”
Nathan Turnbull’s season has continued and astonishingly his total of 232 winners is double that of his nearest rival KerryAnn Morris.
Through Michael Dumesnyfor HRNSW
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