Damien Oliver hoping to add to Melbourne Cup Carnival tally
Damien Oliver says he is getting a bit 'Damien Oliver worn out' with all the media attention as his stellar riding career draws to a close.
The most winningest jockey over the Melbourne Cup Carnival with 85 victories over a career spanning 35 years, Oliver rides at this year's Carnival for the last time with potentially the Thousand Guineas meeting at Caulfield on November 18 his final meeting in Melbourne.
Oliver announced retirement plans in August that he would retire after the Perth Summer Carnival in December.
"I'm getting a bit Damien Oliver worn out," Oliver said.
"It will be nice when it's all over and I'll be able to put the feet up and relax.
"It's been a bit overwhelming at times. I'm not one that enjoys a lot of attention, but I'm glad I've got one more Carnival, for sure.
"I've had a great career and I'm looking forward to the next week and hopefully I can go out a winner.
"I'm sure there will be some mixed emotions. It's been a big part of my life for 35 years or so.
"It won't be easy letting go, but I've been pretty fortunate over the time and probably had a longer go at it than a lot of sports people do."
With the Melbourne Spring Carnival in full swing, each big race is Oliver's last.
He did not have a ride in the Caulfield Cup and partnered Duais into fourth place in the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley last Saturday.
Oliver will ride Alenquer in the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on November 7, looking to add to previous wins on Doriemus (1995), Media Puzzle (2002) and Fiorente (2013).
If successful on Alenquer, Oliver will join Harry White and Bobbie Lewis as the most winningest jockey in Melbourne Cup history, while also riding a winner of the Cup in four different decades.
Oliver was only confirmed on Alenquer on Saturday after the Mike Moroney-trained galloper finished a closing ninth, beaten less than 3-½ lengths, in the Group 2 Moonee Valley Cup (2500m) last Friday night.
"He's not without a chance as we saw with Duais on Saturday," Oliver said.
"She was 40-1 and could have gone close with a bit more luck.
"I've got a great trainer, he knows how to win the Cup, and a horse that seems to be finding form at the right time.
"You have to go into these races thinking you are a chance."
Before Cup Day, Oliver will be out to add to add to his six wins in the Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) when he partners the Nigel Blackiston-trained Mercante.
His last win in the Classic for three-year-olds came aboard Warning in 2019.
"I've got a bit of an outsider in the Derby, Marcante, but he's not without a chance," Oliver said.
"I think he'll run the distance, which is important."
And later in the week Oliver will be aboard Basilinna for Emma-Lee and David Browne in the Group 1 VRC Oaks on November 9, a race he shares the record of seven wins with Bobbie Lewis.
"She's been running well in her lead-up races and should also run the distance," Oliver said.
More Racing News
Blind Raise's faith rewarded with Cox Plate start
Trent Busuttin is aware that if the primary goal was to secure a Group 1 victory, the more prudent strategy would be to send Blind Raise to Sydney for this Saturday's Spring Champion Stakes.Nevertheless, he also recognises that the type of opportunity that has arisen this year is not a...
Caulfield Cup fall victim Half Yours is back home and doing well
Good news has emerged regarding the riders involved in the Caulfield Cup, with the Victorian Jockeys Association reporting both have been discharged from hospital.Mark Zahra and Jye McNeil were transported to the Alfred Hospital after a dramatic fall during the Caulfield Cup on Saturday.The sequence of events saw Half Yours,...
Mr Brightside's Flemington Mile participation uncertain
The Lindsay Park training outfit, comprising Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, will hold off on confirming Mr Brightside's start at Flemington until the acceptance stage.Mr Brightside is expected to be nominated for the Group 2 Kia Ora Stud Mile (1600m) this Saturday, though Ben Hayes indicated he is only...
Warwoven's Cox Plate Prospects to be Decided by King's Ride
Melbourne's racing scene is abuzz as Sydney jockey Rachel King prepares to reunite with Warwoven for a crucial track gallop. This workout is designed to give the final go-ahead for the Bjorn Baker-trained colt's potential entry into the esteemed Cox Plate at Flemington.King, who celebrated a Caulfield Guineas victory aboard...
Infancy's The Invitation prospects while in foal
Dual stakes winner Infancy is eagerly awaiting a potential start in the $2 million The Invitation at Randwick, a race that could significantly boost her career accolades before she transitions to her role as a broodmare.The six-year-old mare has recently been served by the promising young sire Anamoe. Her trainer,...
Tempted claims The Everest crown in thrilling renewal
The tenth running of The Everest delivered a familiar outcome at the top but with a new champion crowned, as Tempted outdueled Ka Ying Rising before a record-breaking crowd of 52,110.For trainer Ciaron Maher, this victory represents his second success in The Everest, building on Bella Nipotina's triumph in 2024....
Autumn Glow's flawless Sydney spring culminates in King Charles triumph
Autumn Glow smoothly assumed the lead in the prestigious Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) as the field turned for home, just as Ceolwulf began to mount a challenge.Trainer Chris Waller reportedly turned to jockey Darren Beadman and inquired, "Are we in trouble?" Beadman's swift reply was,...
Gavin Bedggood celebrates biggest win as Kingswood triumphs in Caulfield Cup
Trainer Gavin Bedggood has achieved his career-defining success with Kingswood winning the Caulfield Cup.The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday was claimed by the UK-bred import Kingswood, marking Bedggood's most significant achievement, eclipsing his previous best in the 2024 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.Bedggood, who was a proficient jumps...
Apocalyptic finds her best form in the Silver Eagle
While it was a supporting event on The Everest undercard, Apocalyptic's triumphant return to the winner's circle on Saturday was a considerable achievement for trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry.The mare, a Group 1 victor of last year's Flight Stakes, had been underperforming in the autumn and her initial...
War Machine back in winning form at Caulfield
A great deal has transpired for War Machine over the past twelve months.On the equivalent weekend last year, the horse trained by Ben, Will, and Jd Hayes, War Machine, was competing in Sydney for The Everest.While the results didn't align with the Lindsay Park trainers' aspirations, War Machine had entered...