Damien Oliver cops 'pathetic' fine over illegal act in final race of storied career
The champion jockey drew the ire of stewards after a fairytale finish to his horse racing career.
Horse racing fans have blasted the decision from stewards to fine Damien Oliver $500 following his win on Munhamek in the final race of his career. The 51-year-old bowed out a winner on Saturday at Ascot Racecourse in Perth, winning the Damien Oliver Gold Rush in a fairytale finish to his 35-year career.
Originally from Western Australia, Oliver celebrated a famous win in front of friends and family as Munhamek came from behind down the straight to salute. But the celebrations were marred somewhat when stewards hit Oliver with a fine for celebrating before the finishing post.
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The 51-year-old could be seen standing up in his saddle to salute the crowd, but because he did so before the race was over he contravened the rules. He was summoned to the stewards' office after the race and hit with the $500 punishment.
"What a pathetic display from the Ascot stewards. Talk about spoiling a celebration," one fan wrote on social media. Another commented: "The Ascot stewards clearly didn't read the room and had to be deadset flogs and give Damien Oliver a $500 fine."
A third added: "Small minds on these Stewards. The crowd cheered him on and I don't think Damien will lose much sleep over the $500 fine amongst all his careers winnings."
Damien Oliver fined 500 bucks on his last ride for saluting the crowd before he crossed the line🤣🤣🤣
Small minds on these Steward's 🤪
The crowd cheered him on and I don't think Damien will loose much sleep over the 500 fine amongst all his career's winnings @ 10% a ride🤣🤣🤣— Michael (@Michael17668283) December 17, 2023
They have to do it. Got a feeling Damien won't pay a cent thou.
— Scott James Perry (@scottjamesperry) December 16, 2023
It’s the correct decision but worth every cent.
— OldMate Punter (@OldmatePunter) December 17, 2023
Joke absolute joke
— Peter fairless (@fairless_peter) December 17, 2023
Pack of absolute … 💩.. seriously wtf is wrong with the world. It’s gone to the dogs. Embarrassing 🙈
— Laser Left Hook (@laserlfthook) December 17, 2023
Damien Oliver bows out a winner after stellar horse racing career
Nevertheless, the win capped a perfect day for Oliver, who won the final three races he contested after earlier victories aboard Devine Belief and Magnificent Andy at Ascot. "I couldn't think of a better way to finish it," Oliver said of his career coming to a close.
"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 rode Alenquer in the Melbourne Cup last month, but couldn't secure what would have been a record-equalling fourth victory. 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."
Oliver has the most Group 1 wins in Australian horse racing history. He won the Melbourne Cup on Doriemus in 1995, Media Puzzle in 2002 and Fiorente in 2013. He also won the Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate and Golden Slipper during his career, and was inducted into the Australian Hall of Fame for racing in 2008.
with AAP
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