Jockey Blake Shinn has made a remarkable comeback to the racing scene, marking his return with a victory aboard his very first mount after an injury-induced break.
Shinn was back at Flemington, the track where he suffered a serious fall on Melbourne Cup Day last year, and guided Nearco Frod, prepared by Tony and Calvin McEvoy, to a win in the TAB We’re On (2500m) race.
The horse, sent out as the $2.50 favourite, surged ahead under Shinn’s skilled riding to cross the line 1¾ lengths ahead of Urban Outlook ($21), with Our Chief ($2.70) rounding out the placings in third.
“The legs have pulled up a little but sore which is a understandable but it is such a great feeling,” an emotional Shinn said.
“It has been a bit of a journey, but it is nice to be coming home a winner and not in the back of an ambulance.
“To get the support of all the leading trainers and owners and I’ve had to ensure that I’m ready for today with a great team who have helped me in the recovery.
“First ride back a winner so it is special. Hopefully it is the start of a great season.”
Nearco Frod’s powerful finishing performance over the 2500-metre distance has prompted the McEvoy stable to consider a potential challenge in the Archer Stakes on September 12.
Shinn also light-heartedly mentioned Craig Williams as a factor in his success.
“I’ll have to thank my great mate Craig Williams for going on holidays,” Shinn commented, having taken the ride for the 10-time Melbourne premiership-winning jockey.
“He’s a promising horse and was adaptable on the dry today.”
This win extends Nearco Frod’s winning streak to three, following previous victories at Sandown before his Flemington triumph on Saturday.
“When he arrived with us he was a young horse,” Calvin McEvoy stated.
“We have a nice preparation with him but he has really come on. He had to tick the Good track box as that was the query for me as he’d been winning on heavy nines.
“He was dynamic there on a Good 4.
“To win three in town is a good effort and it is lovely to provide Blake Shinn with his first winner.”
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