Jockey Blake Shinn could not have asked for a more successful comeback to race riding, securing a victory with his very first mount following an injury layoff.
Shinn returned to Flemington, the scene of his serious fall on Melbourne Cup Day last year, and partnered the Tony and Calvin McEvoy-trained Nearco Frod to triumph in the TAB We’re On (2500m).
Sent off as the $2.50 favourite, Nearco Frod powered away under Shinn’s guidance to finish 1¾ lengths ahead of Urban Outlook ($21), with Our Chief ($2.70) taking third place.
“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.”
The five-year-old’s impressive finishing burst over the 2500-metre distance has the McEvoy stable contemplating a potential start in the Archer Stakes on September 12.
Shinn also humorously credited his success to Craig Williams.
“I’ll have to thank my great mate Craig Williams for going on holidays,” Shinn remarked, having stepped in for the 10-time Melbourne premiership-winning jockey.
“He’s a promising horse and was adaptable on the dry today.”
Nearco Frod has now achieved three consecutive wins, following up two victories at Sandown with his success at Flemington on Saturday.
“When he arrived with us he was a young horse,” Calvin McEvoy commented.
“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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