Blake Shinn will return to riding earlier than planned after recovering from an injury.
Shinn was resigned to missing the rest of the Australian racing season after hurting his foot in a jumpout incident in May.
But the leading jockey says he is on target to make a comeback at next week’s Melbourne metropolitan meeting at Sandown after receiving a medical clearance to start trackwork and riding in barrier trials.
“Since sustaining my injury, I’ve committed fully to the rehabilitation process,” Shinn said in a social media post.
“This dedication has allowed me to return ahead of schedule - something I’m genuinely excited about.”
Shinn hasn’t ridden since May 24 when he landed the Doomben Cup on high-profile spring prospect Antino.
He holds an eight-win lead over Craig Williams in the race for the Melbourne metropolitan jockeys’ title and is 20 wins clear on the state premiership.
Shinn leads the national table by a 1/2 win from West Australian jockey William Pike.
