Racing witnessed an unforgettable moment as Damien Oliver produced a miracle to win his final race in the saddle.
Oliver won aboard Munhamek in the Gold Rush named in his honour with a daring ride through the field before his mount unleashed a powerful burst in the final 50m.
It capped an incredible day for The Goat, who won the final three races at Ascot after earlier wins aboard Devine Belief and Magnificent Andy.
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“I couldn’t think of a better way to finish,” Oliver said.
“It was death or glory at the top of the straight. I had a bit confidence in this horse. He can take the gaps when they come.
“Nick Ryan has done a great job with him. I just had to point him in the right direction.
“When the gaps came, he worked his way through them well. It was a great win but an unbelievable feeling. I couldn’t think of a better way to finish it off.
“It’s a bit of a relief,” he added when asked how it felt now that his final race was over.
“It has been overwhelming, and the crowd here at Ascot have given me a wonderful reception. I think it is the biggest crowd I have seen here.
“The applause and roar I got for those last three winners, I’ll never forget it.”
As for when his body would realise he was no longer in the game anymore, a cheeky Oliver replied: “Probably tomorrow when I’m nursing a hangover”.
Winning trainer Nick Ryan was “speechless” after what he described as a “ballsy ride”.
“He’s just the greatest. Could you have scripted it? I don’t think so,” Ryan added.
— with Punters.com.au
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