Fairytale ending came true for Damien Oliver

Having first saddled up as a professional jockey back in 1988, Damien Oliver’s long and distinguished career has been the toast of many punters and online betting sites. 

A fan favourite, Oliver delivered to the end, winning his final race as jockey in the Gold Rush at Ascot on Saturday 16th December.  

When it comes to reliable jockeys with punters and Aussie bookmakers, Damien Oliver is the go-to man in Australian racing. 

After announcing his decision to walk away from racing at the end of the 2023 season, all eyes were on the Western Australian jockey and he went out with a bang fitting for a hoop of his stature. 

Life in the limelight 

Overcoming tragedy in the family has been the challenge that has continually driven Damien Oliver throughout his three-decade career. 
 
With his brother enduring a life ending fall on board a horse, Oliver has always looked to make his family proud, and he has been able to do just that. 
 
A fitting tribute was served up for Damien Oliver at Ascot on his final day as a jockey and as ever, the competitor inside drove Oliver to some final big race wins before his stellar career comes to an end. 
 
Three more to add to the tally 

Ascot was ready for action to pay tribute to Damein Oliver and there was plenty of activity surrounding the meeting with the biggest and best Australian online betting sites. 
 
Initially, the outlook for Oliver looked bleak, with some of his early rides on his final day failing to deliver and he was still awaiting a winner with 6 of the 9 races completed. 
 
Ever the man for the big occasion, Damien Oliver used all his knowhow and experience to triumph in race 7 with the well fancied Devine Belief, before backing it up on board Magnificent Andy in race 8. 
 
His final furor however was yet to come, with Oliver very much saving his best till last, in his final career outing. 
 
Marvelous Munhamek 

In classic Damien Oliver style, he stood up when it mattered most and his win in the ‘Damien Oliver Gold Rush’ in race 9 at Ascot will go down in Australian racing folklore. 
 
On board the fierce Munhamek, Oliver bobbed and weaved his way through the field, remaining in contention as they moved on to the final few hundred meters. 
 
With pace in the tank, Oliver and Munhamek surged ahead to clinch a famous victory, sparking wild scenes at his home course of Ascot – in his final ever race as a professional jockey. 

It was the career end most people dream of and whilst it didn’t look to be happening for Damien Oliver at Ascot on Saturday, in the blink of an eye it came true. 

Winning his last three professional races, including on board Munhamek in the final race, Damien Oliver bows out on a high from the sport of which he is synonymous with worldwide.