FANTASTIC result for Cork man Graham Atkinson who won the first leg of the three-race series of the Irish Injured Jockeys Corinthian Challenge, run at the Curragh last Sunday. Graham got up on the line to score on Air Supremacy for trainer Joseph O’Brien and in the colours of J.P. McManus.

An emotional Atkinson was buzzing afterwards: “For almost 30 years I’ve been in this game and it’s the first time I’ve ever crossed the line in front, I just can’t believe it! Riding in the famous McManus colours for a trainer like Joseph (O’Brien) – you couldn’t write this script, it’s a million dreams come true. I’ll bring this to the grave with me!”

Graham is a landscaper from Upton, Co Cork who has grown up in racing, his brother Don Atkinson recently retired from point-to-point riding following four decades in the saddle and his cousin Wayne Lordan is one of Ireland’s top flat jockeys.

Graham celebrated with his wife Theresa, children Lucy and Charlie, his mother Eileen and extended family and friends.

This is the third year of the successful fundraising initiative which has already raised over €250,000 for Irish Injured Jockeys. The next two races take place at Navan on September 23rd and Leopardstown on October 27th and a points system will run throughout the entire series to decide on the overall winner of the challenge for 2018.

Ruby Walsh, chair of Irish Injured Jockeys, is deeply appreciative of everyone’s support: “The Corinthian Challenge is a wonderful fundraiser but without the backing of the trainers and the owners within the industry it could not happen and you have all these riders working hard on their fitness.”

For details and to support the campaign visit www.corinthianchallenge.com.