Legendary jockey Damien Oliver wins his farewell race

Jockey Damien Oliver has won the final race of his hugely successful career at Ascot in Perth. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)

Jockey Damien Oliver has enjoyed a fairytale end to his 35-year career in the saddle, winning his farewell race in stunning fashion.

The 51-year-old rode Munhamek to an extraordinary victory in the Damien Oliver Gold Rush at Ascot Racecourse in Perth on Saturday.

Originally from Western Australia, Oliver celebrated a famous win in front of friends and family.

It capped a perfect day for Oliver, who won the final three races he contested after earlier wins aboard Devine Belief and Magnificent Andy at Ascot.

"I couldn't think of a better way to finish it," Oliver said.

"It was death or glory at the top of the straight.

"I had a bit of confidence in this horse, he could take the gaps when they come.

"It's a great win, an unbelievable feeling. I couldn't think of a better way to finish it off."

Oliver was denied a record-equalling fourth Melbourne Cup win when he rode Alenquer in last month's famous 3200m race at Flemington.

He conceded it had been a "long farewell", but took the spotlight for the sake of promoting the sport.

"All this attention is not really my area, but I understand it," Oliver said.

"It's been overwhelming, but the crowd here at Ascot, what a wonderful reception. 

"I think it's the biggest crowd I've seen here - the applause and the roar for those last three winners, I'll never forget it."

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store