Adams back in the Saturday winner's circle

Last season’s champion Sydney apprentice Josh Adams landed his first Saturday winner since returning from a lengthy disqualification when Embark led all-the-way in the Sally Large Handicap (1300m) at Rosehill on Saturday.

Adams was disqualified and spent six months on the sidelines after testing positive to a banned substance earlier this year.

The jockey made his way back onto scene three weeks ago, riding winners in the first week but has since endured a lean run.

"It’s been a slow couple of weeks. I rode five winners in my first week but it’s slowed up a bit now,” Adams said.

Adams took the Hawkes Racing-trained Embark straight to the lead. Chad Schofield parked the heavily-backed Happy Hussy at the leader’s hindquarters.

Rounding the home turn, Adams was sitting patiently as Happy Hussy launched its challenge.

Adams sat down to ride the daughter of Choisir out. Embark and Happy Hussy went stride for stride over the last 200 metres.

The hoop had left enough in the tank to get the upper-hand over Happy Hussy in the concluding stages with the Peter Snowden-trained Sindarin finishing off strongly to place third.

Adams said he knew Embark would show plenty of fight after riding the three-year-old at its last start.

"She deserved to win last start. She fought on so well and had it won everywhere but the post,” Adams said.

"Chad’s [Schofield] horse came at me but she was very brave. I came here today to make sure I rode with a lot of patience.”

"Patience wins races. The last one to panic always wins. Today I was the last to panic.”

The jockey said his return to the track had brought about a new attitude and he was looking forward to continuing the next chapter of his career.

"I’ve come back a more mature rider,” he said.

"When you lose something, you realise it’s not there. When you get it back you grab it with both hands and make every post a winner.”

Story: Nic Ashman RaceNet

Photo: www.sportpix.com.au