Blake Shinn’s dominance continues with another Scobie Breasley Medal
Blake Shinn has continued his dominance in Victorian racing, claiming the Scobie Breasley Medal for a fourth time at last night’s presentation, despite missing several weeks through injury. The Melbourne premiership-winning rider topped the vote count for the 2024/25 season to secure the prestigious award once again.
At 37, Shinn has now completed a three-year streak of Scobie Breasley Medal wins since 2023, alongside the very first he captured as a young apprentice in 2005.
The honour, decided by Racing Victoria stewards on a 3-2-1 basis after each metropolitan race meeting, saw him awarded the maximum three votes on 13 different occasions.
“I came here tonight unsure what was going to because it can be quite unpredictable,” Shinn said.
“It is quite humbling to win this medal, to be honest.”
Shinn credited his partner Lucy Yeomans – who co-trains with Lloyd Kennewell at Cranbourne – for providing stability and calmness to balance his naturally intense approach.
Cox Plate champion Via Sistina claimed the Victorian Racehorse of the Year, becoming the sixth such winner trained by Chris Waller.
Gavin Bedggood’s skill with tried horses earned him the Colin Alderson Rising Star title, while Matt Laurie was acknowledged for the Most Outstanding Training Performance with emerging filly Treasurethe Moment.
The VJA Damien Oliver Most Valuable Jockey award went to Damian Lane, Logan Bates was named VJA Rising Star, and jumps great Steve Pateman took out the Tommy Corrigan Medal for the 10th time in his career, his first victory in the category dating back to 2007.
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