Redemption is sweet as Josh Adams turns his life around
SYDNEY'S reigning champion apprentice Josh Adams is using the adversity and despair of a five-month drug suspension as a powerful motivating force to get his life and riding career "back on track".
Adams, 19, only made his comeback to race riding five weeks ago and rode his first Sydney Saturday winner since his return with a brilliant front-running effort on Embark in the Sally Large Handicap (1300m) at Rosehill Gardens yesterday.
"The suspension has made me a more mature person," a beaming Adams said after steering Embark to an impressive victory.
"When you lose something, that's when you realise how much it means to you. So, when I came back, I wanted to grab my opportunity with both hands and make very post a winner."
Some riders never pick up the pieces after the ignominy of drugs-related suspension, but Adams has the steely resolve, self-belief and natural talent to return to the top in Sydney racing.
"I'm due to come out of my apprenticeship at the end of the season and the only goal I've set myself is to try to ride each horse to the best of my ability," Adams said.
"If I can give my mounts every possible chance, then the winners will come."
Adams said Embark's win was particularly satisfying as the filly is trained in partnership by Hall of Famer John Hawkes and his sons, Michael and Wayne.
"They (Team Hawkes) have been great supporters of mine, they have stuck solid by me," Adams said.
"I was riding trackwork for them before I was suspended and as soon as I returned, I was back riding work for the stable."
John Hawkes, who was in Hong Kong for today's feature international raceday, said he has always regarded Adams as a talented and capable young rider despite his well-documented troubles.
"We have always supported Josh and will continue to do so," Hawkes said. "Look, he made a mistake but everyone makes mistakes in life and hopefully he has learned from what happened to him.
"Since he's been back he's been working hard and it's good to see him riding winners again."
Adams' riding skills have never been in doubt as he proved again on Embark ($8.50), who appeared beaten a number of times in the straight before scoring by a long head from the heavily-backed Happy Hussy ($3.30 favourite) with Sindarin ($5) three-quarters of a length way third.
Embark and Happy Hussy shared the lead until the turn when the latter appeared to gain the upper hand at the 300m."Happy Hussy definitely drew level with Embark," Adams said. "But Embark is very brave, she wouldn't lay down."
Story: Ray Thomas Daily Telegraph
Photo: www.sportpix.com.au