Damien Oliver is pushing to be paid a percentage of any prize-money earned by the horse he was sacked from riding, in this weekend’s Caulfield Cup.
The champion jockey was dumped after allegations emerged that he bet on a horse other than the one he rode in a race two years ago.
Bianca Britton reports.
TRANSCRIPT
After four days of scrutiny Damien Oliver has lodged an application with stewards seeking compensation.
He’s asking for five per cent of prize-money earned by My Quest For Peace the English racehorse he was meant to be riding on Saturday.
He’s even got support from the jockey who’s replaced him.
Corey Brown, My Quest For Peace jockey: “I do feel for him, I don’t know the full circumstances of what’s gone on, so I’m not one to comment but yeah, I thought he’s probably a little harshly done by.”
Connections to My Quest For Peace aren’t saying much leaving the decision to racing officials.
Simon O’Donnell, My Quest For Peace owner: “The stewards are in charge of that, so there’s nothing we can add or detract from that. It’s Damien’s right to do what he’s done and the stewards will make an adjudication.”
Meanwhile, 2010 Melbourne Cup Americain may need to pull out of the Caulfield Cup if the track is too firm.
Connections to Americain are worried the track may jar the horse’s joints.
Bianca Britton, QUT News.