Shinn hurt in trial fall

CHAMPION jockey Blake Shinn yesterday suffered a serious neck injury in a Randwick barrier trial fall and is unlikely to ride again this year.

Shinn, 30, was taken to a nearby hospital where X-rays revealed he had fractures in his C1 and C3 vertebra.

Shinn’s close friend, trainer Peter Robl, said fortunately the jockey had full movement in his arms and legs and no damage to his spinal cord.

“It could have been a lot worse,’’ Robl said. “Blake’s in good spirits considering.”

Shinn, who has won 20 Group 1 races, is unlikely to ride for three to six months.