By Brad Gray

 

It was an emotional TAB Highway Handicap win for apprentice jockey Andrew Adkins aboard Cogliere, dedicating the victory to the late Margaret Quinton, the wife of his master Ron.

 

“She was definitely riding with me that last 100m, that’s for sure. It’s been a tough week and I know what the stable is going through, my boss and all his family. I’m just trying to do the best for everyone. It’s very sad and great to get this winner today for Margaret,” said Adkins.

 

It was an impressive win from the three-year-old colt who did it the hard way.

 

“It didn’t pan out early. I sat posted wide but I kept him balanced. He was very strong over the line,” Adkins added.

 

Port Macquarie-based trainer Marc Quinn was confident of a forward showing before the race and will now aim the son of Pluck at the Country Championships.

 

“He had to really tough it out today and in the end his class shone through. I’ll find another race for him now before the qualifying heat at Taree on the 26th of February. I think he’ll be a really good chance in that race,” Quinn said.

 

“It’s a big balancing act because our heat is on the 26th and you’ve then got to wait four weeks for the final if you’re lucky enough to qualify. He might even have a couple of days in the paddock this week and then we’ll work out where we go next.”

 

The jockeys in the race all wore black armbands to show their respect to Margaret Quinton, who tragically passed away last Sunday.