The recently retired Damien Oliver will take up one more riding engagement when he lines up in the Saudi International Jockey’s Challenge later this month.
Mark Van Triet, Oliver’s former manager, has confirmed Oliver’s Saudi commitment, but he has also emphasised that this will be a single assignment telling Racing.com, “He’s not doing a Frankie (Dettori). This is definitely a one-off.”
Whether the ever-competitive Oliver can add another victory to his name remains to be seen, but it will take a lot to top that wonderful moment at Ascot when Oliver claimed victory in his final race ride before his retirement in such scintillating fashion aboard Munhamek in the Gold Rush, a race named in his honour, after also winning the two races prior to that.
The Saudi International Jockeys Challenge takes place at the King Abdulaziz Racetrack on February 24 with the rich Saudi Cup taking place a day later on February 25.