After leaving
Bannockburn High School in 1977, aged 15, he moved to
York to work as a stable lad. This career led to Quinn moving to work for
Paul Cole in
Lambourn for 17 years (1981–1998). After some years as a freelance jockey, he joined
Henry Cecil in
Newmarket (2000–2004). Quinn has raced with owners
Prince Fahd bin Salman (1990–1991) and
John L. Dunlop. Among other victories, Quinn has achieved 26 victories at
Goodwood Racecourse. He briefly retired in 2006, only to return to racing early the next year. Quinn now lives in Stirling Scotland ==Selected victories==