FOR Cork Native Graham Atkinson, this time of year he really is making hay when the sun shines. From the town of Innishannon, Graham is a full-time gardener and so has been very busy recently with both his own workload and in getting fit and trim for the upcoming Corinthian Challenge Race Series.

Married to Theresa and father to Lucy and Charlie, Graham grew up surrounded by racing and his passion for the sport of kings is definitely in the genes. Graham’s brother Don Atkinson is one of the oldest jockeys in the country still riding at point-to-points at the grand age of 55. Graham’s cousin Wayne Lordan is one of Ireland’s top flat jockeys and he and Graham grew up beside each other. Wayne’s father and Graham’s uncle Pat got them going on ponies when they were young.