Blake Shinn will return to the saddle sooner than expected, with the top jockey cleared to resume riding from a foot injury as early as next week.

The 37-year-old had feared his season was over after suffering heavy bone bruising during Cranbourne jumpouts on May 26, forcing him to miss key rides during the Queensland Winter Carnival.

But in a social media post on Wednesday, Shinn revealed he’s been cleared by Racing Victoria to resume trackwork and is targeting a return at Sandown on July 9.

“Following consultation with Dr Ben Barassi of Racing Victoria, I’m pleased to announce that I’ve received medical clearance to return to trackwork/trials. I then plan to return to race riding on Wednesday, July 9th at Sandown,” Shinn said.

His return keeps the premiership battles alive.

Shinn leads the national jockeys’ title with 150 wins, narrowly ahead of William Pike.

He also tops both the Victorian and Victorian Metro tables, with 139 state winners and 67 in the city.

Craig Williams, who is eight metro wins behind, is also due back from suspension for the Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) incident and is expected to ride at Sandown.