Forced to sit out of racing for 12 months after being found betting, Shinn had to start from the bottom again and work his way back up.

Since returning he has scored three group 1 triumphs, on Streama (twice) and Appearance (the Coolmore Classic), all for his late mentor, Guy Walter.

However, Walter's death earlier in the year provided another hurdle.

Yet this loss appears to have strengthened him as a person and on Saturday at Randwick he could boost his group 1 tally on Flight Stakes favourite First Seal and Junnob in the Metropolitan.

At 27, it is a case of back to the future for Shinn, who is again riding for the big stables after securing the 2007-2008 premiership while stable rider for Gai Waterhouse.

"I took that success a little bit for granted back then, and I also took the people that were close to me a little bit for granted as well," Shinn reflected

"I really appreciate my relationships with my friends and really appreciate my success on the track because I have had to earn it. I had to earn the respect back from everyone after losing their trust."

That Shinn is riding for Chris Waller in The Metropolitan and will be legged on unbeaten Sweynesse in next week's Spring Champion Stakes for Godolphin shows how far he has come.

It has taken many miles of driving to bush tracks to return to elite racing.

"I started to get support from some of the leading guys, which is what you need to go to the next level," Shinn said. "But I will never forget the guys that I've ridden for in the past couple of years – they got me back.

"I have grown up a lot in past 12 months and a lot of that has to go down to my late, great mentor, Guy Walter. I learnt a lot from him as a person and taking the disappointment of the game.

"It is a hard game and you have to be balanced to do your best.

"I'm certainly a better person now. When I look back at my gambling and Guy's passing, it makes me look at where my life was heading and what could have happened if I didn't make changes."

The challenge for Shinn after Walter's death was not only coping with the loss of a father figure but also the loss of rides.

He has been able to position himself in the right place to get on exciting filly First Seal, which is looking for a group 1 victory at only her fifth start.

Shinn was in the saddle for her Tea Rose Stakes victory as a $19 outsider. He was not shocked as she out-sprinted Winx and Earthquake.

"She surprised me with the ease she did it," Shinn said. "I was not at all surprised that she won because from the first time I have rode her [she] showed a lot of potential."

While that win, over 1400 metres, has given punters the confidence to make the Fastnet Rock filly the favourite, Shinn believes they have not yet seen the best of her.

"She has done everything right since her last win and the mile should suit her even better," he said. "She is still learning with every start, and she would have taken more from the Tea Rose Stakes than every other filly in that race."

Shinn has been keen on Junoob since the gelding won the Nevill Sellwood Stakes on a wet track on him in the autumn. Now he gets the chance to deliver a group 1 victory on him on Saturday.

"I didn't ride him after that win because because I was on Streama in Brisbane. I always thought he was the one to beat in those races and kept an eye on him.

"There is no doubt he is a much better horse on top of the ground and he is going to get conditions to suit on Saturday."

While some might question Junoob's ability to run 2400m, Shinn is unworried.

"He is a really good stayer – he won great last time," he said. "He just relaxes in his race and has the ability to sprint quickly when you ask him for it.

"His dry-track form is tremendous and I think if we get the right run they will have to beat him because I know he won't beat himself."