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Letter of the Week

Shinn shines

I applaud Brent Zerafa’s most timely reflection "Through adversity, Blake becomes a better man" on Blake Shinn (12/7).

Blake’s improvement is no better exemplified than in his riding, which in recent times has been quite outstanding, probably fulfilling the great expectations many racing people had for this talented young rider whose wins, incidentally, also include a Melbourne Cup.

There have certainly been hiccups and speed bumps along the way but given the confidence and skills he is now displaying that history should all be behind him. His maturity now is being demonstrated in the quality and determination in his riding.

Two of his three winners at Randwick on Saturday, Burbero and Rifleman, highlighted the quality of his riding, with his fierce determination being shown in getting those horses across the line first.

He is demonstrating great patience and confidence as he "drives" his mounts to the line, very much reminiscent of Nash Rawiller, who wins many of his races through his sheer power and determination to lift horses to win. Nash makes certainties of good things, a characteristic which Blake is now emulating.

Further south, I don’t think I’ve seen two better rides than Michelle Payne’s on her two winners, Marksmanship and Akavoroun, at Flemington last Saturday.

Her ride on Markmanship was something to behold as she rode him with great confidence, patience and surety, rating him perfectly.

At no time did she become anxious, overwhelmed or flustered and she rode the race out with great finesse.

Her second win was also a fine piece of riding in that she rated the horse very well and timed his finish to perfection. Eleven out of 10 for both rides.

We are blessed to have these most talented athletes demonstrating their skills.

Peter J. McNamara
Canterbury (Vic)
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