NATIONAL Hunt jockey Graham Watters is to combine racing on four legs and two wheels this year after being signed by the Cotswold Cycles-TREK race team from Moreton-in-Marsh.

Watters, 25, from Navan in Ireland has been based with Chipping Norton trainer Charlie Longsdon for more than a year and boasts a string of equine successes, including a victory in the John Smith’s Summer Cup at Uttoxeter on Drop Out Joe last summer.

He has also shown some form on a bike, having won his first road race with Perthshire team Synergy Cycles, while he helped that team to eighth place in the Scottish Team Time Trial of 2015.

Cotswold Cycles-TREK team manager Don White said: “Our riders juggle training, racing, work and family life and are all inspirational and diverse.

"Graham is a perfect match for the team and proves just what is possible when people follow their passions.”

The talented jockey, who managed a dozen top-10 places in 2016 as a solo road race competitor, said: “On the bike in 2016 I raced on my own, but this year I am really looking forward to racing with Cotswold Cycles-TREK who have a great bunch of talented guys.

"Cycling is a fantastic way to keep fit and strong for horse racing, so hopefully I can string a few wins together – on the road and the turf.”

Cotswold Cycles-TREK’s annual 60-mile road race, held as part of the Steele Davis Cotswold League, will take place on Sunday, June 18.