Comeback hoop Andrew Adkins has Sydney Cup win in crosshairs

Few deserve a big race win more than Andrew Adkins but the comeback jockey is far from one that believes anything in life should be a given.

The young gun has endured his fair share of setbacks but has built his reputation on hard work and it’s his relentless determination that’s helped provide the platform for success throughout his career.

It’s why trainer John O’Shea was more than happy to enlist Adkins’ services this Saturday and provide the former champion Sydney apprentice with his biggest Group 1 chance for more than 12 months.

Andrew Adkins rides Rondinella in the Sydney Cup. Photo: Mark Evans/Getty ImagesSource:Getty Images

Adkins will take the reins of the O’Shea-trained Rondinella in the $2 million Sydney Cup (3200m) at Randwick less than two months after his latest comeback from a serious injury.

In truth it’s testament to Adkins dedication that he’s even able to ride on Day 2 of The Championships.

Medical expert opinion had first forecast he’d still be on the sidelines as a result of a horror fall last July that left him with broken leg, ribs, collarbone and punctured lung.

Andrew Adkins has worked hard to get back from injury. Photo: Mark Evans/Getty ImagesSource:Getty Images

But the Group 1 winning hoop defied those opinions by returning to the saddle in late February and can complete his miraculous comeback when he combines with Rondinella on Saturday.

“Everyone would love to see him win it, I know we have some self interest there, but if Rondinella was to win it would be more about Andrew than anything else,” O’Shea said.

“He is a role model for all people.

“He doesn't think the world owes him a living despite the adversity he’s had.

“If anyone was ever to think they were owed something, it would be someone who has gone through the adversity that Andrew has but he doesn't.

“That’s why people gravitate towards him and there would be no one more deserving than young Andrew.”

Trainer John O’Shea. Photo: Mark Evans/Getty ImagesSource:Getty Images

As it stands on Wednesday afternoon if Rondinella was to win the Sydney Cup it would provide Adkins with just his third winner since returning from injury. Those successes coming from a touch over 60 rides.

It has undoubtedly been tough going but Adkins sees no sense in dwelling on the situation and is keen to make the most of his opportunities when they arrive.

“I've not had many winners coming back, only the one, but it’s a hard time of year to come back and it’s very difficult to get rides at this time of year,” Adkins, who rode a second winner at Hawkesbury on Wednesday, said.

“These horses have been prepped out for months and months so whoever has been trialling them obviously have the rides.

“I have been picking up the pieces a bit which can be frustrating but I knew that would be the case when I came back at that time.

“You just have to keep working hard and it’s great to be rewarded with a ride like this. It would mean a lot to win it.”

Quick Thinker (inside) edges out Rondinella last Saturday. Photo: Mark Evans/Getty ImagesSource:Getty Images

Rondinella threw herself into the Sydney Cup mix last Saturday with a slashing second in the Group 2 Chairman’s Quality (2600m) at Randwick on Day 1 of The Championships.

The daughter of Ocean Park, which finished fourth in the 2019 edition of the Sydney Cup, did her best work late to finish alongside Quick Thinker in the staying test.

“I was really happy to see her run through the line like she did the other day,” Adkins said.

“Her and the winner both finished off but I thought she was the best out of the two.

“Taking the step up to 3200m should suit her. She has run well in this race before and gets in with a light weight and nice little gate.

“I should be able to land in a nice spot.”

Rondinella is rated a $12 chance with TAB.com.au to win the Cup.

John O’Shea is going into the Sydney Cup with a certain level of confidence about his quality mare Rondinella in the Group 1 race with Andrew Adkins aboard….

John O’Shea is going into the Sydney Cup with a certain level of confidence about his quality mare Rondinella in the Group 1 race with Andrew Adkins aboard.

Originally published asRacing ‘role model’ deserves Cup glory

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