Damien Oliver’s farewell celebrations at Flemington have been tempered by an eight-meeting suspension handed down by Racing Victoria stewards for a careless riding charge.
Despite the champagne shower he received from fellow riders in celebration of his final ride on Along The River in the last race, Oliver’s plans have been altered. He will still be able to participate in his last Caulfield ride at the Thousand Guineas meeting scheduled for next Saturday.
However, given that his suspension starts the following day on November 19, he will miss the opportunity to ride in the first Group 1 race kicking off the Perth carnival, the Railway Stakes (1600m), slated for November 25. Oliver is set to make his return on November 26.
This suspension comes at a pivotal time as the champion rider had announced his retirement from riding over the Perth summer carnival.
