Coming out of retirement for one final challenge, three-time Melbourne Cup champion jockey Damien Oliver is gearing up for his final ride in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this Friday and Saturday.
Although Oliver had initially concluded his professional journey in Western Australia, the lure of competing on an international stage once more proved irresistible.
“It’s just a great opportunity,” Oliver stated, highlighting his readiness to embrace this unexpected chapter before retirement.
He is slated to participate in the International Jockeys’ Challenge, facing off against a formidable roster of riders, including Ryan Moore and New Zealanders Alysha Collett and Lisa Allpress.
Oliver brings to the challenge his extensive experience on dirt tracks, recalling his participation in the inaugural Dubai World Cup.
Despite a break from racing since December, Oliver has been actively preparing, engaging in jumpouts and maintaining his fitness through boxing.
