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El Soleado has given Blake Shinn a winner at his first meeting back after suspension.
Jockey Blake Shinn has made a successful return to riding at Sandown following an enforced break.
Shinn was suspended for three weeks after returning a positive sample to Zolpideum, an acid metabolite that is found in a type of sleeping tablet.
The jockey issued a statement at the time of the announcement that he had a positive test saying that he had used a medication to assist in gaining appropriate rest in order to maintain clarity to be safe when he rides.
Shinn's suspension was backdated to when he was first notified of the test result had five rides at the Sandown program on Wednesday, guiding El Soleado to victory in the Evergreen Turf Handicap (1300m).
The suspension forced Shinn to miss the Sydney Autumn Carnival.
"It was an enforced break through my own doing," Shinn said.
"It was a little bit disappointing to miss such an important time of year. I had to utilise the time wisely and get myself fresh to tackle this part of the season.
"I have to thank everyone as it has been a little bit of a challenging time, but I have some great people around me.
"I've come back today to have five rides for the some of the top stables and to get a winner is very rewarding."
El Soleado is prepared by Robbie Laing and the galloper went back-to-back after breaking his maiden status at Pakenham on March 23, when ridden by Shinn.
Shinn said El Soleado had a bright future.
"He's got natural improvement and has promised a fair bit," Shinn said.
"Robbie has placed him well. It wasn't an easy assignment for him today.
"It was a test for him from the 400 metres, but he knuckled down really well and has all the signs of a good horse going forward."
