Damien Oliver ‘will have to produce some magic one last time’ aboard Munhamek in the $1.5m Gold Rush at Ascot

He’s got the visitor’s draw in the $1.5m Ascot feature named in his honour ... but if anyone can defy the odds, it’s legendary jockey Damien Oliver in his final race ride.

Damien Oliver has been centre stage in Perth the past few weeks ahead of retirement. Picture: Western Racepix.

The stage is set for Damien Oliver – “The GOAT” – to produce some magic one last time.

The legendary jockey has seven rides on Saturday in Perth, the swan song meeting after an illustrious 30-plus year career in the saddle, including the Nick Ryan-trained Munhamek in the feature at Ascot.

Flemington horseman Ryan arrived in Perth on Friday ahead of the “pretty special” experience.

“It’s pretty cool, to be the last person to ever leg him up on a horse is going to be pretty special and geez it would be good if it wins,” Ryan said.

“We got the visitor’s draw; I guess the GOAT will have to produce some magic one last time.”

Munhamek has eased to $8.50 with TAB in the $1.5 million Damien Oliver Gold Rush (1400m) since drawing barrier 17 in the last race of the card.

• Damien Oliver riding horse for wife and mum on his last day

Munhamek is Damien Oliver’s final ride. Picture: Scott Barbour / Racing Photos

Ryan secured Oliver for Munhamek when his original Gold Rush mount Triple Missile, trained by Lindsey Smith, pulled up sore after being clobbered in the Winterbottom Stakes.

Triple Missile and Oliver were both very lucky to stay upright after being jammed up on the rail due to interference out wide.

“I feel very privileged to have him on for the very last ride,” Ryan said.

“I’m sure Perth Racing, they’ve obviously put it on as the last race, they’re going to have a big send off for him, so hopefully I can do my part and so can the horse.

“It will be one big party for him, I suppose.”

• The last dance: Damien Oliver ranks his top 10 Group 1 wins

Ryan rode against Oliver for several years and learned from his “idol” before weight forced a switch to the training caper.

“He’s just been an idol since I was a kid really – any young apprentice, he’s the one, he’s the GOAT,” Ryan said.

“He was very influential for my career as I did a lot of riding for Lee Freedman when Lee was at the peak of his powers and Damien was number one and I was number two as a kid.

“He certainly steered me in the right direction in a lot of ways and he’s probably the most fiercest competitor I’ve ever ridden against. He’s definitely left an impression on my life and career for sure.”

• Top trainers praise Oliver ahead of his farewell

Aaron Mitchell drew barrier 17 for Munhamek which will be Damien Oliver’s final ride in a race in the $1.5M Gold Rush… but it might not be as bad of a draw as it seems on paper…#TheRacesWApic.twitter.com/BL4IIVcC1K

— The Races WA (@TheRacesWA) December 12, 2023

Ryan also hailed Oliver’s longstanding role in the jockeys’ room as a mentor to many contemporaries.

“I think if you’re willing to listen he’s got all the time in the world,” Ryan said.

“He’s not someone that likes the limelight, he just goes about his business. He’s very level-headed, never in my eyes really been the cocky type, just a very humble man.”

WA rising star Ripcord looms as the biggest threat to backmarker Munhamek, who has acclimatised nicely to Perth conditions the past month, along with fellow Victorian raider Ayrton.

Favourite Super Smink is unlikely to gain a start as an emergency.

While Ryan admitted barrier 17 looked “yuk”, he said the horse’s pattern off-set that to a degree.

“The horse naturally gets back and balances up,” Ryan said.

“A lot of the main chances are drawn out in double figures. It would be nice to land on the back of Ripcord or Ayrton for sure, but honestly I don’t think there’s going to be too any instructions (to Oliver).

“It will be his last dance, I’ll be leaving it up to the GOAT.”

Originally published as Damien Oliver ‘will have to produce some magic one last time’ aboard Munhamek in the $1.5m Gold Rush at Ascot