Courtesy of The Bulletin – Matty Holdsworth 25/06/17. RACING: Adrian Coome is a bit of a perfectionist.
To be the best, you have to plan the best.
From Monday to Saturday, starting at 4am every week, Rockhampton jockey Adrian Coome does his track work. 24 hours per week.
Added to that he does his homework. He watches races, studies form guide, how they come out of the barrier, the full dozen.
It was no different leading up to the weekend’s Rockhampton Cup – the richest race in CQ.
He did his home work and was rewarded – claiming top honours in the $100,000 race on the back of Colour Charge.
“I had my plan to be in the spot I ended up in, and the race went exactly how I planned it… I got into the spot I wanted and got to the top of the straight and let him power away,” Coome said.
“Sometimes it is hard when you have never rode the horse before, but I made sure I watched plenty of his race replays. That made it easier.
“Then I sat down with the trainer and she told me a lot more about him.
“The homework definitely helps, especially for the bigger races, everyone is more competitive as they should be.”
Race Results
• Race 1: Splendid Stryker
• Race 2: Bold Gypsy
• Race 3: Pure Luck
• Race 4: Lucky Clover
• Race 5: Backslapper
• Race 6: Rocky King
• Race 7: Colour Charge
• Race 8: Real Mystique
It is the little things that keep the best honest. While he was thrilled to draw barrier three, Coome made the most of it.
Well-positioned for the entire 1600m Colour Charge and Coome kicking into gear and was unstoppable on the home straight.
Desert General, Vaulting Ambition and Deconstructed fought it out for the minor placings in a photo finish.
“Natalie McCall and the owner’s syndicate were over the moon,” he said.
“He was third favourite going in, I thought he should have been shorter odds but I am no bookie.”
Coome moved further in the Callaghan Park premiership standings, with only young gun Zoe White nipping at his heels within striking distance.
“I am one or two ahead but she is keeping me really honest,” he said of his trackside colleague.
“She is a jockey who is already going really well and will have a really bright future.
“My good mate Ashley Butler is another, he is in great form right now.”