Melbourne Cup winning jockey Blake Shinn has been suspended after returning an irregular result on a drug test.
The champion rider confirmed the news himself in a social media post.
“I have today been notified that I returned a swab irregularity which has arisen from a sleeping tablet following a race meeting on February 25,” he said.
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“I am fully cooperating with Racing Victorian stewards, however as a result, I am unable to fulfil riding engagements until such time that a confirmatory sample is returned.
“I acknowledge that a medication was used to assist me gaining appropriate rest in order to maintain my clarity to be safe when I ride. Under no circumstances was it taken to enhance performance or to place in jeopardy the high level of integrity to which I live by.”
Shinn had been booked to ride Japanese Emperor in the Group 1 Australian Derby at Randwick on Saturday.
“I sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this causes to the trainers and connections for whom I held riding engagements over the coming week,” he said.
“I am extremely grateful for their support and understanding on this matter.
“I will await further advice from Racing Victorian stewards and will reserve any comment until the confirmatory sample is returned.”
Shinn rode Viewed to victory in the 2008 Melbourne Cup, the 12th and final win for master trainer Bart Cummings.
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