Horse racing
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Winona Costin couldn't help but notice the similarities between herself and South Australian apprentice Caitlin Forrest but says she's never considered giving up the sport she loves.
Forrest became the second jockey in a week to lose her life on the track when she fell at Murray Bridge on Wednesday in a horrific incident in which four jockeys fell.
The 19-year-old's death came just a day after Queensland jockey Carly-Mae Pye died from injuries she suffered when riding in a Rockhampton jumpout on Monday.
Costin admitted it came as a shock.
"My sympathies go to all the families and friends of the fallen. It is a tough thing to go through especially Caitlin Forrest, who was only my age. It is such a big shock to the system, being just 19 and passing," she said.
"It is very sad. But when we get out there, you have to put it out of your mind ... otherwise you might do a silly thing which could lead to a different type of fall ..."
Costin made a rare visit to Kembla Grange on Friday after riding predominantly on the metropolitan circuit since making a high-profile move to Gai Waterhouse's stable in Sydney eight months ago.
"I really love it up there. Gai has given me a lot of opportunities and all the staff and foremen are fantastic to me. I really adore all of them," Costin said.
"The only thing is I am really homesick. I don't get back down here very often.
"Usually only when Kembla races are on and I only get to go home for a short period of time which is a bit unfortunate because I always enjoy coming back."
The young hoop was able to chalk up a win for Waterhouse on her return.
After a slow start to the day, she piloted Vanilla Princess to an easy 2½-length triumph in a Maiden Plate (1200m) before claiming the last race on the seven-race card with Majestic Beast.
And she can continue the run of hot form having five rides at Randwick on Saturday.
With the yearly exodus of the state's top jockeys to Victoria in full swing, Costin was relishing the opportunities that offered her.
"I had my first Group 1 ride, which was fantastic, and now all the boys are heading to Melbourne, hopefully Saturday winners come back."
Costin has set the bar high.
"I would really like to win the apprentice metro premiership. It is a long season but we are in front at the moment so hopefully we can hang on to that."