Peter Robl continued to ramp up preparations for his impending race return with seven rides at Friday’s Randwick barrier trials.
Disqualified for 12 months for betting on races and giving false evidence at an initial inquiry to try to protect his fellow jockey and friend Blake Shinn, Robl has the finish line of his ban in sight.
Shinn was also disqualified for 15 months for his betting activities but had three months shaved off on appeal.
Robl will make his return at Canterbury on Saturday week, having been allowed to ride trackwork since early October and trials since October 29.
Among his seven trial rides for trainer Anthony Cummings on Friday was a victory aboard two-year-old Agueda.
“I’ve got to the end of it,” Robl said.
“That was probably the main priority when it all happened, getting to the end of the 12 months.
“Now we can see the end and things are looking promising.
“I rode in seven trials today and 10 at Warwick Farm on Tuesday. So I’ve had a few trial rides this week which is good. My fitness is pretty good.”
Shinn was also at the trials but only as a spectator with his return delayed because of his continuing recuperation from the broken leg he suffered in a Melbourne Cup day fall last year.
“I had a few little issues with my leg and the comeback has been set back four to six weeks,” Shinn said.
“Things are great, my weight is good and I’m walking around about 55 kilograms. I’m looking to resume around Christmas or early January but I’m in no rush.
“I’m not going to resume until I’m 110 per cent.”
AAP TURF
