Jockey Blake Shinn may be forced to sit out the rest of the season after injuring a foot at the Cranbourne jump-outs on Monday.
Shinn has undergone a number of tests and consultations with medical professionals in recent days which concluded he is suffering heavy bone bruising in his left foot.
Australia’s leading jockey for the season with 150 wins on the board, Shinn missed riding at Seymour and Sale earlier in the week as he looked to extend his lead.
Shinn had hoped to be fit to ride at the Queensland Derby meeting at Eagle Farm on Saturday but is now in jeopardy of missing the remainder of the season.
“Unfortunately, the rehabilitation process is proving longer than I had initially hoped,” Shinn said in a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter.
“I’ve worked tirelessly over the past few days to receive the necessary treatment and explore all recovery options.
“However, I have to face the reality that this injury will rule me out for the remainder of the Queensland Winter Carnival.
“At this stage, it is too early to determine an exact return date. I will reassess the injury with doctors in three weeks and from there, make plans for my return to riding.
“While it’s incredibly disappointing to (potentially) end the season this way, my health and physical wellbeing must take priority.
“My focus now shifts to preparing for the upcoming Spring Carnival, which is just around the corner.”
Shinn currently leads William Pike in the National Jockeys’ Premiership while he also holds a comfortable lead in the Victorian Jockeys’ Premiership over Jamie Mott and has a 12-win lead over Craig Williams in the Victorian Metropolitan Jockeys’ Premiership.
