Wearing a black armband and with tears in his eyes, apprentice jockey Andrew Adkins has honoured the life of Margaret Quinton with an emotional win at Randwick.

Saturday's Highway Handicap was selected as the race where riders would wear black armbands in memory of trainer Ron Quinton's wife, who died suddenly of a heart attack on Sunday.

Adkins, who is the latest in a long line of apprentices to be guided by the couple, got Cogliere home despite being posted three-wide during the race.

"She was definitely riding with me in the last 100 metres, that's for sure" Adkins said.

"It's been a tough week.

"It's very sad and it's great to get this winner home for Margaret."

The Quintons have helped forge the careers of some of Australia's leading jockeys including Hugh Bowman and Sam Clipperton.

Adkins linked up with his old boss, Port Macquarie trainer Marc Quinn, for Cogliere's win which put the horse firmly on a path to the Taree heat of the Country Championship on February 26.

"He had to really tough it out today and in the end his class has shown through," Quinn said.

Cogliere jumped a $5 chance and overcame Zuzzudio ($14) with Al Cubana ($7.50) finishing third.