The Australian Trainers’ Association Federal Executive are deeply saddened by the passing of highly respected legendary Queensland racehorse trainer and much valued ATA Member, Jim Atkins.
Atkins began training in 1936 and still had a small team at Toowoomba. He won five Brisbane premierships and won more than 3000 races during his successful training career.
An inaugural member of the Queensland Racing Hall of Fame, Atkins is among the nominees being considered for inclusion in the Australian racing Hall Of Fame next month.
In a recent interview, Atkins named Dalrello as the best horse he had trained.
Dalrello won the 1975 Doncaster Handicap and George Ryder Stakes and came back to Sydney to win the All-Aged Stakes the following two years.
Among the other stars in his stable were stayers Grey Affair and Just Now as well as Prince Ruling, runner-up to Kingston Town in the 1980 Cox Plate.
Atkins was born in Grafton in the northern rivers region of NSW and took over a team of horses when his trainer father passed away in 1936.
He moved to Brisbane and later to Toowoomba where he was based until his death.
