Blake Shinn, Victoria’s leading jockey for the season, is set for a busy return to the track this weekend after a short break following his recent suspension.
Shinn, who has 65 wins this season, will take on nine rides at Pakenham on Saturday and another eight at Sale on Sunday before flying to New Zealand for the Zabeel Classic meeting on Boxing Day.
In New Zealand, Shinn is booked to ride Te Akau Racing’s Campionessa in the Group 1 Zabeel Classic (2000m), currently paying $10 with the top bookmakers, and Damask Rose in the Group 1 Auckland Guineas (1400m).
He will then shift his focus to the Gold Coast for two major weekends of racing, including the $2 million Magic Millions Sunlight on January 4, where he will partner Lady Of Camelot, his Golden Slipper Stakes-winning mount.
After his Magic Millions commitments, Shinn will travel to Hong Kong to compete in the Group 1 Stewards’ Cup aboard Galaxy Patch before returning to Melbourne to prepare for the lucrative autumn racing season.
Shinn has enjoyed a brief period of rest following his trip to Hong Kong earlier this month, where he participated in the international meeting.
He acknowledged the value of taking time off to recharge after a demanding year.
Shinn began the season with the ambitious goal of riding 200 winners during the 2024/2025 season and has already amassed 68 victories across Australia since August 1.
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