Embattled jockey Shane Scriven walked off Eagle Farm racecourse in winning fashion today with the knowledge his stellar career might be over.
Riding under immense pressure with the controversial five-month snatch whip suspension hanging over his head, Scriven produced a master class to lift Magnum Forty Four over the line for a narrow win.
It was one of just two rides for the day for Scriven who gave Magnum Forty Four an uninterrupted run under his 58kg to win the Sita Environmental Handicap (1846m).
Scriven was given a hero’s reception by the Anzac Day crowd as if it was his last ride.
The 45-year-old was adamant it will still be business as usual.
“I have lodged my appeal but with all the public holidays I don’t know when it will be heard,” Scriven said.
“All I do know is that until it’s on it will be business as usual plus a bit extra.
“To get all the public support I have got in the past few days has been very humbling but also inspiring.”
Scriven was suspended by stewards last Thursday for snatching apprentice Ben Looker’s whip in the tight finish at Ipswich on April 15.
He immediately lodged an appeal and has been riding on a stay of proceedings since.
Demonstrating his typical patience and vigour Scriven drove Magnum Forty Four to a short half head win over Just A Touch with More On The Toe two lengths back third.
Scriven’s career-long battle with the scales has seen him lose huge amounts of weight in three comebacks thus far.
“I don’t really know how I feel now.
“But I do know I can’t lose 25 kilos again – I can’t do that to my body again,” Scriven said.
“It’s my favourite time of year and I will go on doing what I usually do until the appeal is heard.
“That’s all I can do.”
AAP TURF
