Group 1 winning jockey Blake Shinn has been suspended for three weeks after testing positive to a banned substance in a sleeping pill following a random urine test.
Shinn was asked to provide a sample at Sandown on February 25, which upon analysis was found to contain the banned substance, Zolpidem acid metabolite, a type of sleeping tablet.
Racing Victoria Stewards concluded their inquiry on Tuesday and issued Shinn with a three-week ban, backdating the suspension to March 28, the day Shinn stood down from riding.
When notified of the irregularity last month, Shinn issued a statement that said he had used a medication to assist in gaining appropriate rest in order to maintain clarity to be safe when he rides.
“Under no circumstances was it taken to enhance performance or to place in jeopardy the high level of integrity to which I live by,” Shinn said.
In assessing penalty, Stewards took into consideration Shinn’s guilty plea, contrition, the nature of the substance and his record in relation to the Australian racing rule that he was charged under.
Shinn can resume riding on April 19, providing he has supplied a urine sample clear of any banned substance.
