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Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) has recently announced the creation of the Damien Oliver Award, named in honor of the legendary jockey's decorated riding career.
The award will be presented annually to an up-and-coming Western Australian apprentice who has demonstrated passion and dedication in all aspects of their riding and training during each respective season.
Race-riding apprentice jockeys will be assessed based on their quality and performance, riding consistency, and attitude towards health and wellbeing. Oliver, who has won the Melbourne Cup, Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate, and Golden Slipper, expressed his pride and honor in having an award named after him.
Damien Oliver: The Ageless Jockey
At the age of 51, Champion jockey Damien Oliver is taking his illustrious riding career “year-by-year” as he prepares for another exciting Spring Carnival. With a remarkable 128 Group One wins, Oliver remains a dominant force in Australian horse racing.
However, he is fully aware of the uncertainty of his future in the sport. “As long as I’m riding well, feeling good, riding some winners, then I’ll keep going,” Oliver stated in a recent interview.
He never looks too far ahead because in this business, you never know what’s around the corner. Although he is yet to decide if he will have his own farewell tour, Oliver is happy to take the opportunities when they come and keep on winning and keep riding well. He also acknowledges the rising competition from younger riders in Victorian racing. Oliver is enthusiastic but realistic about this year’s Spring Carnival, as he doesn’t have a ‘marquee-type’ horse, but is eager to ride Arkansaw Kid and Brayden Star.
Oliver described Australia’s weight-for-age stocks as being in “a bit of a transition time,” suggesting there could be opportunities for emerging stars like Amelia’s Jewel.The Damien Oliver Award will be presented at the 2022-23 Perth Apprentice Racing Awards on September 4th.