Top jockey Blake Shinn is poised to make a much earlier return to the saddle than first anticipated, with confirmation he will be back riding as soon as next week.
Shinn had feared his season was over after sustaining significant bone bruising during an incident at the Cranbourne jumpouts on May 26, forcing him to miss the remainder of the Queensland Winter Carnival.
However, in a positive update on Wednesday, the 37-year-old shared via social media that Racing Victoria has given him the green light to resume trackwork, with a view to riding competitively at Sandown on July 9.
“Following consultation with Dr Ben Barassi of Racing Victoria, I’m pleased to announce that I’ve received medical clearance to return to trackwork/trials. I then plan to return to race riding on Wednesday, July 9th at Sandown,” Shinn said.
“Since sustaining my injury, I’ve committed fully to the rehabilitation process. This dedication has allowed me to return ahead of schedule – something I’m genuinely excited about.”
“This time away has also allowed me to have an impromptu holiday, which has ultimately given me the mental and psychical break my body needed.”
“Thank you to everyone who has sent messages of support and well wishes during this time. I’m now looking forward to getting back in the saddle and finishing the season strong.”
Shinn’s early return is set to have a big impact on the national and Victorian jockeys’ premierships, with the season concluding in just three weeks’ time.
He currently leads the Australian Jockey Premiership with 150 winners, holding a narrow 2.5-win lead over WA rider William Pike. He also tops both the Victorian overall and metro premiership ladders, boasting 139 Victorian wins for the season—20 more than Jamie Mott—and holding an eight-win lead over Craig Williams in the city standings (67-59).
Williams, recently suspended for careless riding in the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) aboard Rothfire, is also expected to resume riding at Sandown on July 9.
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