JOHN Hawkes described Rod Quinn, who retired yesterday as a jockey, as the “ultimate professional”, reports Racing Network. Hawkes said Quinn, 52, just went about his business regardless of the situation each and every day.

“He was a real horseman, no more genuine a person and so loyal,” Hawkes said. “He was just part of the team. He never complained, he just turned up, did his job whether we put him on or took him off. He was just the ultimate professional and he was a really good rider.”

Quinn, who rode more than 2000 winners during a career that spanned 38 years, partnered a host of great horses that Hawkes trained.

He won six of his seven rides on Lonhro, including the colt’s first victory as well as the Group 2 Hobartville, Royal Sovereign and Stan Fox.

Quinn also rode Viscount to win the Group 1 AJC Sires Produce and Champagne Stakes.

Also included in his Group 1 wins were the 2004 BMW on Grand Zulu and the 2011 Sydney Cup on Stand To Gain.

Quinn rode his last Group 1 winner – Doctor Doom – in the 2011 Spring Champion Stakes.

He hasn’t ridden since June this year after injuring himself.