A fit and healthy Blake Shinn will return to the Sydney fold at Warwick Farm on Saturday almost six weeks after being stood down from riding for medical reasons.
Shinn has been a notable absentee from the jockeys’ ranks since the January 10 meeting at Gosford where he returned to scale distressed following a tough winning ride on Cathay Lady in the Belle of the Turf Stakes.
Stewards ordered he undergo medical tests before returning to race riding.
The Melbourne Cup-winning jockey has received a clearance from doctors and will make his comeback at a low-key Goulburn meeting on Friday ahead of his metropolitan return the following day.
“It took a bit longer than I was hoping but I’m fighting fit now and it’s great to be back,” Shinn said.
“It was actually nice to have a bit of a freshen up. It was a bit longer than I wanted but it was great to go home and see my family for a couple of weeks.
“I just can’t wait to get back into the saddle. I’m feeling really fit and I’ve got some really nice rides lined up coming into the autumn.”
Friday’s meeting at Goulburn will provide Shinn with the perfect pipe-opener to Apollo Stakes day.
He has some promising mounts at Warwick Farm including the Guy Walter-trained Appearance in the Listed Triscay Stakes (1200m).
Appearance has not raced since scoring an upset win in the Group One Myer Classic during the Melbourne spring carnival, a performance which has earned her topweight of 59.5kg.
“I’m rapt to be able to pick up the ride on her,” Shinn said.
“She’s a lovely mare resuming from a successful spring campaign winning the Myer and she’s going really well.
“She’s lumping a big weight on Saturday but she’s obviously got a good first-up record, she’s drawn ideally. She’s going to be very competitive.”
Shinn will also ride the Paul Murray-trained Alma’s Fury in the Apollo Stakes, Rockford for Gai Waterhouse in the two-year-old race and the promising Jacquinot Bay for Walter in a 1300m event.
