Star jockey Blake Shinn delivered a memorable win aboard Hadouken in Monday’s $200,000 Darwin Cup, affirming his place as the headline act of this year’s Top End carnival.
Riding for close friend and trainer Peter Robl, Shinn executed a perfectly timed ride to take out the 2000m feature, securing consecutive Darwin Cup victories for Hadouken, who also won the race last year with Tyler Schiller in the saddle.
Shinn was originally booked to ride the gelding last year but couldn’t make the weight. Getting his chance this time around, he didn’t miss.
“It’s like a Group 1 up here,” Shinn said after the race. “To win this with Pete, someone I have so much respect for, means everything.”
Robl, whose promising training career followed a devastating riding injury, was emotional in victory and full of praise for Shinn’s performance.
“Blake was crucial. That last 100 metres — that’s where he makes the difference,” Robl said.
Hadouken sat second in the run before Shinn let him slide to the lead on the bend. He held on bravely from a fast-finishing Prince Jofra ($21), with Motorace ($3.40) making up ground late to finish third, just behind the quinella.
With the 2025 Darwin Cup done and dusted, punters can turn their attention to more spring features. Be sure to browse our list of the best betting sites for the latest racing markets and promotions.