Legendary jockey Damien Oliver wins his farewell race

[Burgs]

Story by Oliver Caffrey

Jockey Damien Oliver has enjoyed a fairytale end to his 35-year career in the saddle, winning his farewell race in stunning fashion.

The 51-year-old rode Munhamek to an extraordinary victory in the Damien Oliver Gold Rush at Ascot Racecourse in Perth on Saturday.

Originally from Western Australia, Oliver celebrated a famous win in front of friends and family.

It capped a perfect day for Oliver, who won the final three races he contested after earlier wins aboard Devine Belief and Magnificent Andy at Ascot.

"I couldn't think of a better way to finish it," Oliver said.

"It was death or glory at the top of the straight.

"I had a bit of confidence in this horse, he could take the gaps when they come.

"It's a great win, an unbelievable feeling. I couldn't think of a better way to finish it off."
Oliver was denied a record-equalling fourth Melbourne Cup win when he rode Alenquer in last month's famous 3200m race at Flemington.

He conceded it had been a "long farewell", but took the spotlight for the sake of promoting the sport.

"All this attention is not really my area, but I understand it," Oliver said.

"It's been overwhelming, but the crowd here at Ascot, what a wonderful reception.

"I think it's the biggest crowd I've seen here - the applause and the roar for those last three winners, I'll never forget it."

[shasta]

It was one of the great moments. He recreated his Melbourne Cup salute to brother Jason passing the judge in the last. A treble in his last 3 rides after not saluting right through the 6-odd weeks of the carnival.
Too bad the little bugger messed up my quaddie in the second last.

[The InnFORCEr]

I was on the last three races, thanks Damian, enjoy retirement