Matthew Atkinson is making the move to the Western Districts to join the powerful Nathan Turnbull stable at Bathurst.
The 16-year-old was raised in the Southern Highlands and has grown up around harness racing, working alongside his father Dean, an accomplished trainer at the family’s Marulan property.
To date, Matthew has competed in 83 races, and he is looking forward to the opportunity to gain more regular drives from his new base of Bathurst.
It was Nathan’s son Jett, a good mate of Atkinson who swayed him to relocate to The Lagoon and he jumped at the chance to learn from the Turnbull family who have nurtured so many top reinsmen throughout the years.
“It was a hard decision to leave home at such a young age,” said Matt.
“Dad and mum have given me so many good opportunities since I started driving earlier this year, allowing me to handle their nice horses.
“I feel that I have had a good grounding, my parents have taught me so much.
“But being afforded the chance to work with and drive for the state’s leading trainer in Nathan certainly was too enticing to pass up and so far I am loving my time in Bathurst.
“The Turnbull family is iconic in harness racing, and it is a privilege to be given the chance to be around them and see how they do things from day to day.”
Atkinson will be in action at Bathurst tonight where he has three drives on an extended 10-race program.
Each of his engagements are prepared by Nathan Turnbull, and they all have reasonable chances of finishing in the placings despite having to contend with sticky draws.
Matt will partner Rusty Dancer in race one followed by Line Me Up Bro in the second and Time To Torque in race five.
“I feel that all three horses have a fair chance of getting amongst the prizemoney should they get their fair share of luck.”
“Rusty Dance went well last week when running second, and Line Me Up Bro and Time To Torque are recent winners who have good ability and both will be running on provided they get a crack from their awkward draws.”
Nathan Turnbull’s season has continued to roll on, and it is astonishing that his tally of 232 winners is double that of his nearest rival KerryAnn Morris.
