Blake Shinn set for quick return from bone bruising to resume Melbourne jockeys’ premiership charge

Blake Shinn is poised to secure another Melbourne jockeys’ premiership after a remarkable recovery from what was initially season-ending bone bruising.

Blake Shinn will be back riding at Sandown next Wednesday. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images

Champion jockey Blake Shinn is set to return to race riding “ahead of schedule” after successfully rehabilitating an injury.

Shinn all but ruled himself out for the season in late May, after scans confirmed heavy bone bruising in his left foot.

However, a dedicated rehabilitation has Shinn poised to resume race riding next Wednesday at Sandown.

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His return should all but cement a second Melbourne jockeys’ premiership in three years and third overall.

Shinn has an eight-win margin on nine-time champion jockey Craig Williams with seven metropolitan meetings to go.

Williams clawed back to within striking distance of Shinn but a costly careless riding suspension in Queensland stalled the charge.

Williams is eligible to ride again from Sunday after a forced 14-day break.

“Following consultation with Dr Ben Barresi of Racing Victoria, I’m pleased to announce that I’ve received medical clearance to return to trackwork/trials,” Shinn said in a statement on Wednesday.

“I then plan to return to race riding on Wednesday, July 9th at Sandown.”

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Shinn has been out of the saddle for six weeks after injuring his foot in a jumpout incident.

“Since sustaining my injury, I’ve committed fully to the rehabilitation process,” Shinn said.

“This dedication has allowed me to return ahead of schedule – something I’m genuinely excited about.

“This time away has also allowed me to have an impromptu holiday, which has ultimately given me the mental and physical break my body needed.

“Thank you to everyone who has sent messages of support and well wishes during this time.

“I’m now looking forward to getting back in the saddle and finishing the season strong.”

Shinn has ridden 139 Victorian winners to date this season, including 67 on the metropolitan circuit.

Originally published as Blake Shinn set for quick return from bone bruising to resume Melbourne jockeys’ premiership charge