Horse Racing News Update: Adkins Caps Comeback with Civic Stakes Win, McDonald’s Fitness in Doubt

In a remarkable comeback story, jockey Andrew Adkins has secured a slashing victory in the rescheduled Civic Stakes at Warwick Farm. Adkins, who was Sydney’s champion apprentice in 2016-17, has endured a tumultuous career plagued by injuries, but he has now capped his latest return to the saddle with a prestigious stakes win.

Adkins Victorious in Civic Stakes

Adkins partnered the Adam Duggan-trained Diamond Diesel ($7.50) in the Listed Civic Stakes (1400m), riding a patient race before unleashing the gelding’s devastating turn of foot down the outside. The seven-year-old, who has also overcome a fractured shoulder that cut short his Hong Kong career, stormed home to defeat Estadio Mestalla ($3.80 favorite) by 1-3/4 lengths, with Essone ($21) finishing third.

“I got the perfect run. It was just a bit of a waiting game in the straight for a couple of them to drop off and find that bit of fresh air, and when they did, he exploded,” Adkins said.

The victory was a milestone for trainer Adam Duggan, who picked up Diamond Diesel on the recommendation of now Hong Kong-based trainer Mark Newnham. Duggan now plans to target the South Grafton Cup next month, with the aim of qualifying for the Melbourne Cup day program.

McDonald’s Fitness in Doubt Ahead of Tatt’s Tiara

In other news, champion jockey James McDonald is under a fitness cloud ahead of Saturday’s Tatt’s Tiara meeting at Eagle Farm. McDonald was stood down from his remaining rides at Warwick Farm after complaining of a sharp pain in his right side, and he was subsequently sent to the hospital for further examination.

McDonald is due to chase his 99th career Group 1 aboard C’Est Magique for Chris Waller in the Tatt’s Tiara (1400m), the final major of the season. The racing community will be closely monitoring his condition in the lead-up to the prestigious event.

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