Australian & Victorian Jockey Premiership race back on
Blake Shinn will return to race riding sooner than expected after receiving medical clearance, with plans to resume at Sandown on July 9 following a foot injury sustained in late May.
The injury, sustained during jumpouts at Cranbourne on May 26, left Shinn sidelined for the back end of the Queensland Winter Carnival and initially cast doubt over his chances of returning before the season’s end.
But the 37-year-old has now confirmed he will resume trackwork and trial duties immediately, with a race day return next Wednesday.
“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 return could prove decisive in the final weeks of the 2024/25 racing season, with several premiership titles still up for grabs. He leads the Australian Jockey Premiership with 150 wins, ahead of William Pike, and is in front in both the Victorian and metro standings.
He has 139 Victorian winners this season and leads the metro premiership by eight wins over Craig Williams, who has 59. Williams, who was suspended for his ride on Rothfire in the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m), is also set to return on July 9 at Sandown.
Excited to bet on Blake Shinn’s comeback or races like the Stradbroke Handicap? Compare odds, promos, and betting features on our trusted Australian betting site guide.
Find the best mobile apps, betting platforms, and bookmaker promotions through our complete list of top betting sites in Australia.
More Racing News
Extragalactic's Flemington mission in McEwen Stakes
While many in the racing world will lament the closure of the old Moonee Valley track, trainer Trent Edmonds isn't lamenting the timing of its renovation.This Saturday marks the first Cox Plate meeting to be held away from 'The Valley', and Edmonds is set to be at Flemington with Extragalactic,...
Blind Raise's faith rewarded with Cox Plate start
Trent Busuttin is aware that if the primary goal was to secure a Group 1 victory, the more prudent strategy would be to send Blind Raise to Sydney for this Saturday's Spring Champion Stakes.Nevertheless, he also recognises that the type of opportunity that has arisen this year is not a...
Caulfield Cup fall victim Half Yours is back home and doing well
Good news has emerged regarding the riders involved in the Caulfield Cup, with the Victorian Jockeys Association reporting both have been discharged from hospital.Mark Zahra and Jye McNeil were transported to the Alfred Hospital after a dramatic fall during the Caulfield Cup on Saturday.The sequence of events saw Half Yours,...
Mr Brightside's Flemington Mile participation uncertain
The Lindsay Park training outfit, comprising Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, will hold off on confirming Mr Brightside's start at Flemington until the acceptance stage.Mr Brightside is expected to be nominated for the Group 2 Kia Ora Stud Mile (1600m) this Saturday, though Ben Hayes indicated he is only...
Warwoven's Cox Plate Prospects to be Decided by King's Ride
Melbourne's racing scene is abuzz as Sydney jockey Rachel King prepares to reunite with Warwoven for a crucial track gallop. This workout is designed to give the final go-ahead for the Bjorn Baker-trained colt's potential entry into the esteemed Cox Plate at Flemington.King, who celebrated a Caulfield Guineas victory aboard...
Infancy's The Invitation prospects while in foal
Dual stakes winner Infancy is eagerly awaiting a potential start in the $2 million The Invitation at Randwick, a race that could significantly boost her career accolades before she transitions to her role as a broodmare.The six-year-old mare has recently been served by the promising young sire Anamoe. Her trainer,...
Tempted claims The Everest crown in thrilling renewal
The tenth running of The Everest delivered a familiar outcome at the top but with a new champion crowned, as Tempted outdueled Ka Ying Rising before a record-breaking crowd of 52,110.For trainer Ciaron Maher, this victory represents his second success in The Everest, building on Bella Nipotina's triumph in 2024....
Autumn Glow's flawless Sydney spring culminates in King Charles triumph
Autumn Glow smoothly assumed the lead in the prestigious Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) as the field turned for home, just as Ceolwulf began to mount a challenge.Trainer Chris Waller reportedly turned to jockey Darren Beadman and inquired, "Are we in trouble?" Beadman's swift reply was,...
Gavin Bedggood celebrates biggest win as Kingswood triumphs in Caulfield Cup
Trainer Gavin Bedggood has achieved his career-defining success with Kingswood winning the Caulfield Cup.The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday was claimed by the UK-bred import Kingswood, marking Bedggood's most significant achievement, eclipsing his previous best in the 2024 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.Bedggood, who was a proficient jumps...
Apocalyptic finds her best form in the Silver Eagle
While it was a supporting event on The Everest undercard, Apocalyptic's triumphant return to the winner's circle on Saturday was a considerable achievement for trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry.The mare, a Group 1 victor of last year's Flight Stakes, had been underperforming in the autumn and her initial...