Blake Shinn, one of Australia’s most renowned jockeys, is set to be out of action while he awaits the results of a drug test irregularity.
The news was broken today by Shinn himself, who informed the public that he had been contacted by racing stewards regarding a positive sample taken from him after the Sandown meeting on February 25.
The positive test was for a substance found in a sleeping tablet, an ingredient which the jockey claims he was unaware of at the time of taking the medication.
Blake Shinn’s media statement:
I have today been notified that I returned a swab irregularity which has arisen from a sleeping tablet following a race meeting on February 25.
I am fully cooperating with Racing Victorian stewards, however as a result, I am unable to fulfil riding engagements until such time that a confirmatory sample is returned. I acknowledge that a medication was used to assist me gaining appropriate rest in order to maintain my clarity to be safe when I ride. Under no circumstances was it taken to enhance performance or to place in jeopardy the high level of integrity to which I live by.
I sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this causes to the trainers and connections for whom I held riding engagements over the coming week. I am extremely grateful for their support and understanding on this matter.
I will await further advice from Racing Victorian stewards and will reserve any comment until the confirmatory sample is returned.