Damien Oliver, Australian Racing Legend, Announces Retirement

Damien Oliver, one of Australia’s most iconic jockeys, has announced his retirement from the sport following this year’s Spring Racing Carnival. At 51 years of age, Oliver has achieved a remarkable career with an astounding 3,167 victories under his belt.

He made the retirement announcement on social media earlier this week, expressing his gratitude for a career spanning approximately 35 years. Damien Oliver is celebrated for winning a record-breaking 128 Group 1 races, including a trio of Melbourne Cups. His most poignant moment came in 2002 when he rode Media Puzzle to victory in the Melbourne Cup, just days after the tragic passing of his brother, Jason. The nation watched as he saluted to the skies, making it a race forever etched in Australian racing history.

In his own words, Oliver shared, “I achieved so much more than I ever expected to as a young kid leaving Perth. It’s a sport and a lifestyle that served me so well over a long period of time.”

Throughout his illustrious career, Damien Oliver secured numerous prestigious titles, including four Caulfield Cups and two Cox Plates. His total prize money earnings exceeded an astonishing $256 million, making him one of the sport’s greatest icons.

Oliver’s final rides will take place during Perth’s summer carnival, marking a poignant return to where his incredible journey began.

We join the racing community and fans in saluting Damien Oliver’s extraordinary career and wish him a fulfilling retirement. His legacy in Australian horse racing is indelible, and he will be remembered as one of the all-time greats.