Blake Shinn marks successful return with a win on first ride
Blake Shinn has made a triumphant return to race riding, achieving a victory with his initial mount after being sidelined by injury.
Back at Flemington for the first time since his significant fall on Melbourne Cup Day last year, Shinn guided Nearco Frod, trained by Tony and Calvin McEvoy, to a win in the TAB We're On (2500m).
The $2.50 favourite, Nearco Frod, surged under Shinn to secure a 1¾ length victory over Urban Outlook ($21), with Our Chief ($2.70) securing third place.
"The legs have pulled up a little but sore which is a understandable but it is such a great feeling," an emotional Shinn said.
"It has been a bit of a journey, but it is nice to be coming home a winner and not in the back of an ambulance.
"To get the support of all the leading trainers and owners and I've had to ensure that I'm ready for today with a great team who have helped me in the recovery.
"First ride back a winner so it is special. Hopefully it is the start of a great season."
The five-year-old's strong finish over the 2500 metres has the McEvoy stable considering a run in the Archer Stakes scheduled for September 12.
Shinn also playfully attributed some of the success to Craig Williams.
"I'll have to thank my great mate Craig Williams for going on holidays," Shinn stated, having filled in for the jockey who has won 10 Melbourne premierships.
"He's a promising horse and was adaptable on the dry today."
This marks Nearco Frod's third consecutive win, having previously recorded back-to-back successes at Sandown before Saturday's Flemington triumph.
"When he arrived with us he was a young horse," Calvin McEvoy remarked.
"We have a nice preparation with him but he has really come on. He had to tick the Good track box as that was the query for me as he'd been winning on heavy nines.
"He was dynamic there on a Good 4.
"To win three in town is a good effort and it is lovely to provide Blake Shinn with his first winner."
Explore the latest spring racing markets with Australia's premier Top 10 Betting Apps.
Check out the latest racing odds at online bookmakers.
More Racing News
Horizons completes stable double for Freedman partnership at Rosehill
Richard and Will Freedman have made an impressive start to the 2026/27 Sydney racing season, with Horizons securing a stable quinella at Rosehill and placing the training partnership at the top of the early premiership standings.After Attractiveness took out the first race on the card, Horizons demonstrated her grit with...
Gatwick poised for Stakes race challenges
Progressive mare Gatwick has emerged as a Stakes race contender following a determined front-running performance to secure the Ranvet Handicap (1200m) at Rosehill on Saturday.The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained galloper achieved her second win in her last three starts, dictating terms throughout under Zac Lloyd and finding the...
Funshow's gelding proves a masterstroke with Rosehill triumph
Nathan Doyle's astute decision to geld the promising sprinter Funshow has yielded spectacular results, with the emerging four-year-old completing a hat-trick of wins in the Kia Ora Bloodlines to Headlines Handicap (1500m) at Rosehill.Doyle conceded that Funshow possessed significant ability early in his racing career, but also displayed sufficient characteristics...
Snitzel achieves fifth Champion Stallion title
In a significant achievement for Australian breeding, Snitzel has re-established himself as the nation's Champion Stallion for the 2025/26 season. This marks a historic moment, as he becomes only the second sire in history to regain this prestigious title after holding it for a minimum of four consecutive years.The renowned...
Unbelievable, brother to City Of Troy, set for Australian debut at Flemington
A horse with a truly remarkable background is slated to make his Australian debut at Flemington this Saturday when Unbelievable takes to the track for trainer Clayton Douglas.This extensively travelled galloper is entered for the Melbourne Cup Carnival On Sale (1620m), marking a new chapter after careers in Ireland, Hong...
Flemington racecourse: Fancify aims for more black type
The Ciaron Maher stable believes Fancify's race fitness will be her key advantage in Saturday's Aurie's Star Handicap at Flemington.This Group 3 contest represents Fancify's fourth start since her transfer from Michael Hickmott's Murray Bridge stable.While under Hickmott's guidance, the mare captured Group 3 glory in the Hong Kong Jockey...
Firm ground key for Embrace The Wind at Rosehill
Trainer John Thompson is confident that a return to firmer racing conditions will be the catalyst for the progressive three-year-old Embrace The Wind to perform at his best when he contests the Rosehill meeting on Saturday.The gelding has drawn the outside gate in the Ranvet Handicap over 1200 metres, but...
Millie De Lune set for return from injury at Rosehill
Trainer Matt Smith is adopting a measured approach with Millie De Lune, hoping the talented mare can overcome a frustrating injury setback when she reappears at Rosehill on Saturday.The Puissance De Lune filly is set to contest the Congratulations Chris Waller Handicap (1400m), her first start since suffering a tendon...
Tommy Stokes ready for training partnership
Tommy Stokes credits his career advancement to a patient approach as he officially partners with his father, Phillip Stokes. The prominent Stokes name is set to appear in the race book for the first time this weekend, with Tommy expressing his readiness for the challenge, bolstered by a year of...
Sass Appeal's spring targets include Group 1 assignments
Trainer Danny O'Brien has charted a bold spring course for Sass Appeal, with three Group 1 races in his sights as the talented mare returns at Flemington on Saturday.The daughter of So You Think commences her campaign in the VRC Membership Renewals Open (1410m) after a remarkable three-year-old season which...