Oliver returns to trackwork

Perth Turf Talk | Australian Racing | Tue 16 July, 2013

DAMIEN Oliver yesterday offered a cautious denial when asked whether the infamous Miss Octopussy bet was a one-off.

The champion jockey returned to trackwork for the first time in eight months yesterday, facing an inquisitive media throng at the Romsey property of his long-time supporter, leading trainer Leon Corstens.

Oliver was twice asked if he had bet more than once in his 25-year career.

"I'm sure that's a question that is going to be asked," he said, adding he rode "to get the best possible result for owners and trainers".

"I fully co-operated in the inquiry with RVL and I'm just trying to look forward, not back."

Asked again whether he was a one-bet offender, Oliver said: "Yes, I'm comfortable with that.

"We all make mistakes. The idea is to try to learn from them and that's what I'm trying to do."

Oliver can resume race riding on September 13, the date of the Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes meeting at Moonee Valley.

The Corstens-trained Commanding Jewel, whom Oliver put through her paces yesterday, is expected to be one of his star spring carnival rides.

Oliver won the Thousand Guineas aboard the filly in the spring for Corstens, who said yesterday he was firmly in Oliver's corner.

I LET RACING DOWN: OLIVER

Corstens was foreman for Bart Cummings when Oliver won the Vic Health Cup for Cummings in 1990. It was Oliver's first Group 1 winner.

"It's a long, long history," Corstens said.

"It (the bet) has nothing to do with me. He's a champion rider and we're very, very lucky to have his services."

Oliver said he hoped his eight-month disqualification, and remaining two-month suspension, would make him a better person, adding: "It's great to get back on the horse again, especially a good one like Commanding Jewel."

"It was nice to get up this morning and have something to do.

Oliver returned to Melbourne late on Sunday after attending the Vanuatu Cup meeting at the weekend.

Oliver said his role now was to mend broken bridges.

He defended racing's reputation, saying the "overwhelming majority of people in racing are honest and hard-working".

story Super Racing

0 Comments