SHINN TO HEAD SOUTH ON RETURN

Blake Shinn Riding in Hong Kong

Blake Shinn cited seeing family as the reason he was looking to travel to Melbourne on his return to Australia and base himself near the action in preparation for the Spring Racing Carnival.

“I have not seen my parents for years and they live in Victoria, so I feel I should go back there and spend some time with them,” Shinn told News Corp.

“I will probably ride through the Melbourne spring carnival and weigh up my options because Sydney is my home, I love it there and Sydney racing is thriving.

“But I’m just looking forward to getting back to Australia. I have had a number of owners and trainers already contact me so the support is amazing and I just have to plan it right when I do return home.”

Shinn announced earlier this month that he had made the decision not to apply for an extension to continue riding in Hong Kong. He made the decision with a heavy heart after Covid had changed the landscape of Hong Kong racing.

“I’ve been living on my own for the last few months with limited social interaction outside of going to the track,” Shinn explained.

“I love the riding here, I love Hong Kong racing and the people but I don’t think enough consideration has been given to people’s mental state and wellbeing.

“I had planned to be in Hong Kong for a number of years so it was a very tough decision to leave. I would not close the door on returning here one day.”

Shinn won the jockey’s premiership in 2007-08 and had success in the Golden Slipper aboard Capitalist in 2006 as well as winning the Melbourne Cup aboard Viewed in 2008. He has been riding in Hong Kong since 2019.

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