Three-time Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Damien Oliver announces retirement

The Victoria Racing Club (VRC) congratulates champion jockey and three-time Melbourne Cup winning rider Damien Oliver on the announcement of his retirement at the end of the year.

With a total of 128 Group 1 wins, Damien Oliver is Australia’s most successful jockey and sits among the upper echelons of the turf. Oliver will ride at his final Melbourne Cup Carnival later this year and the VRC is proud to announce that the $500,000 Group 2 Linlithgow Stakes will now be registered as the $500,000 Group 2 The Damien Oliver (1400m) on Penfolds Victoria Derby Day, in recognition of his achievements.

Oliver’s riding record is unmatched and he holds the record for the most wins during the Melbourne Cup Carnival (85), as well as the equal most victories in the Group 1 Kennedy Oaks along with Bobbie Lewis (7). A win in this year’s Lexus Melbourne Cup would see him equal the record of four Cup victories held by Harry White and Bobbie Lewis.

He provided one of the most emotionally charged Melbourne Cup victories in 2002 when he overcame personal tragedy to ride Media Puzzle to win just one week after the passing of his brother Jason in a race fall.

“I have been riding across five decades and look forward to saying farewell at my final Melbourne Cup Carnival. Flemington has been a place that has provided me with some of my greatest career highlights. I will forever cherish my three Melbourne Cup wins, in particular the emotional win aboard Media Puzzle,” Oliver said.

“I am looking forward to the opportunity to say thank you to those people who have supported me throughout my entire career.”

VRC Chairman Neil Wilson congratulated Oliver on a fantastic career and said the club is looking forward to giving him a fitting final send off at Flemington.

“Damien has had an incredible career in racing and is one of the most successful jockeys at Flemington. He has proved time and time again that he is one of the greatest riders to have ever graced the sport,” Mr Wilson said.

“His resilience, athletic prowess and tactical brilliance allowed him to stay at the top of his game over a career that spanned more than five decades, a phenomenal achievement in any elite sport.

“We congratulate Damien on a remarkable career and wish him, his wife Trish and their children all the very best in their next chapter.”