A picture of concentration at the races - courtesy Atkins Photography.
Great to catch up with a man who has been part of the fabric of SA racing for more than four decades. He talks of his passion for race riding at age 59.
David talks about the dual jockey/trainer licence which enables him to train a small team at Morphettville.
He reflects on a recent Gawler win on a horse trained by his son David Jnr. Some said it would have been the perfect time to quit the saddle.
David talks of his apprenticeship in 1976 to the emerging legend Bart Cummings.
He looks back on his first winning ride just 24 hours after gaining his “ticket”.
The evergreen jockey remembers his transfer from Cummings to the Colin Hayes training empire at Angaston, and the discouraging advice given to him by Peter Hayes.
He reminisces about his two coveted Gr 1 wins - two editions of the South Australian Oaks.
“Toot” takes us back to his one and only Melbourne Cup ride.
He reflects on his role as stable jockey for an up and coming young trainer called John Hawkes.
David looks back on his association with three of Australia’s best gallopers of the 80’s and 90’s.
ATKINS PHOTOGRAPHY - 0409 042 468
The Atkins name has been synonymous with SA thoroughbred racing since 1936 when Bill Atkins founded the business.
In 1993 Terry and Hilary Hann purchased the operation from Bill’s son John, and have maintained a highly professional service to the SA racing industry.
Both Terry and Hilary are multi award winning members of the Australian Institute Of Professional Photography. Hilary is a two time winner of the SA Professional Photographer Of The Year Award.
Atkins Photography covers racing at Morphettville, Oakbank, Balaklava, Gawler, Murray Bridge, Strathalbyn, Clare and Mindarie-Halidon. Their outstanding photographic work is matched only by the expert framing of an in house specialist staff.
(Banner image - David was the trainer and rider of Detentore (Pink and purple silks) in this Gawler win 05/10/2020 - courtesy Atkins Photography.)
A vigorous David Tootell gets Pontypaul home narrowly at Gawler - courtesy Atkins Photography.
David was thrilled to win on Pontypaul at Gawler 03/06/2020 - courtesy Atkins Photography.
David with wife Sara and daughter Caitlin after Detentore’s win at Gawler - courtesy Atkins Photography.
A touching day for David as the SAJC celebrates his 40th year in the saddle 2017 - courtesy Atkins Photography.