Damien Oliver facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Damien Oliver |
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
Damien Oliver after winning the 2014 Darley Australian Cup
|
|
| Nickname | Ollie |
| Occupation | Professional jockey |
| Born | 22 June 1972 Perth, Western Australia |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Spouse | Trish |
| Children | 3 |
| Honours | |
| Australian Racing Hall of Fame | |
| Significant horses | |
|
|
Damien Oliver (born 22 June 1972) is a famous Australian retired thoroughbred racing jockey. He is known as one of the best jockeys in Australian history. Damien comes from a family of horse racers. His father, Ray Oliver, was also a successful jockey. In 2008, Damien Oliver was added to the Australian Racing Hall of Fame, which is a huge honor. He announced his retirement in August 2023, after a long and amazing career.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Damien Oliver was born on 22 June 1972 in Perth, Western Australia. His father, Ray Oliver, was a jockey who sadly died in a racing accident when Damien was only three years old. As a child, Damien went to Byford Primary School in Byford.
Damien is married to Trish, and they have three children: two daughters named Niali and Zara, and a son named Luke. They live in Port Melbourne. Damien's older brother, Jason, was also a jockey. Sadly, Jason passed away in 2002 after a fall during a horse trial. Damien is a big fan of the West Coast Eagles football team.
Racing Career Highlights
Damien Oliver started his riding career in 1988. He learned a lot from his stepfather, Lindsey Rudland, and famous trainer Lee Freedman. His very first win as an apprentice jockey was in March 1988 on a horse named Mr. Gudbud.
Over the years, Damien Oliver became incredibly successful. He won the famous Melbourne Cup three times:
- In 1995 on Doriemus
- In 2002 on Media Puzzle
- In 2013 on Fiorente
The 2002 Melbourne Cup win was very special. It happened just two weeks after his brother Jason passed away. A movie called The Cup was made about this emotional victory and Damien's journey.
Oliver also won many other major races, including:
- The Caulfield Cup four times
- The Cox Plate twice
- The Blue Diamond Stakes once
- The Golden Slipper once, completing the "Grand Slam" of Australian racing.
From 1989 to 2023, Damien Oliver rode in almost every Melbourne Cup race. He was only absent three times due to injury or suspension.
In 2013, when he won his third Melbourne Cup on Fiorente, it was also his 100th win in a Group 1 race. Group 1 races are the highest level of horse racing. This win was also the first Melbourne Cup victory for trainer Gai Waterhouse.
Damien Oliver announced his retirement at the end of the 2023 Melbourne Spring Carnival. His very last race day was on 16 December 2023, in Perth. He had an amazing finish to his career, winning his last three races, including the "Damien Oliver Gold Rush" race.
In total, Damien Oliver rode 3,189 winners during his career. He holds the Australian record for the most Group 1 victories, with 129 wins!
Facing Challenges
In 2012, Damien Oliver faced a challenge when he was suspended from racing for a period because he broke some racing rules. This meant he couldn't ride in races for several months. However, when he returned in 2013, he quickly showed his skill by winning the Melbourne Cup again.
Awards and Achievements
Damien Oliver has received many awards for his outstanding riding.
- He won Racing Victoria's Scobie Breasley Medal fourteen times. This award is given to the best jockey on Melbourne racetracks. Stewards vote on the best ride of the day.
- In 2014, he won the first-ever Roy Higgins Medal. This award goes to the winner of the Victorian jockeys' premiership.
- Oliver won the Melbourne Jockeys' Premiership in the 2014/15 season. This was his 10th time winning this award, showing his consistent excellence.
Group 1 Race Wins
Damien Oliver has won 129 Group 1 races. Here are some of them:
- Adelaide Cup (1 win)
- AJC Derby (1 win)
- All Aged Stakes (3 wins)
- Australasian Oaks (4 wins)
- Australian Cup (1 win)
- Australian Guineas (3 wins)
- Blue Diamond Stakes (1 win)
- Caulfield Cup (4 wins)
- Caulfield Guineas (2 wins)
- Cox Plate (2 wins)
- Golden Slipper (1 win)
- Lightning Stakes (5 wins)
- Melbourne Cup (3 wins)
- Newmarket Handicap (3 wins)
- Queen Elizabeth Stakes (5 wins)
- The Thousand Guineas (5 wins)
- Victoria Derby (6 wins)
- VRC Oaks (7 wins)
Images for kids
-
Damien Oliver mounted on Fiorente at the 2013 Melbourne Cup.
