AN ‘absolute icon’ of racing dubbed ‘the GOAT’ with greater than £130million in earnings has introduced his retirement.
Australian legend Damien Oliver stated ‘I am unable to maintain happening perpetually’ as he confirmed he’s hanging up his saddle for good aged 51.
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Oliver’s most well-known win got here within the 2002 Melbourne Cup.
The jockey received the race that stops a nation on the Dermot Weld-trained Media Puzzle after which saluted to the skies following the tragic passing of his brother Jason simply days earlier.
Oliver, 51, has received greater than 3,000 races and a report 128 Group 1s.
Down Beneath he has claimed three Melbourne Cups, 4 Caulfield Cups, two Cox Plates and a Golden Slipper – his achievements seeing him ranked the nation’s biggest ever rider.
Oliver, who additionally raced at Royal Ascot in earlier years and received a Group 3 on the Curragh for Aidan O’Brien, will retire for good in December after collaborating in Australia’s blockbuster Spring Carnival.
Confirming his determination, rumours of which had been swirling for months, Oliver stated: “After about 35 years of driving, I’ve determined that that is going to be my final Spring Carnival.
“I’ve achieved a lot greater than I ever anticipated to as a younger child leaving Perth.
“It is a sport and a way of life that served me so effectively over an extended time period and I really feel fairly fortunate that it is given me every thing I’ve bought.
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“It is taken just a little bit away from me too, a father and a brother, however it’s definitely been actually good to me as effectively.”
Oliver stated he initially deliberate on a quiet and sudden retirement.
However he had taken inspiration from Frankie Dettori’s international farewell tour this 12 months.
He added: “I suppose once you have a look at what Frankie’s performed within the final six months on his farewell tour, it is in all probability impressed me just a little bit to exit that method as effectively.”
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