Jockey Damien Oliver riding for his wife and mum on his last day in the saddle at Ascot

Damien Oliver has an extra special reason to win on one particular horse in his last day in the saddle — it will keep him in the good books with his wife and mum who are part owners.

Damien Oliver with his wife, Trish.

If you’re looking for an omen bet on Damien Oliver’s last day in the saddle on Saturday — look no further than San Fabrizio in the second at Ascot.

Oliver’s wife, Trish, and his mum, Pat, are part owners in the Stephen Miller-trained galloper.

Oliver will also ride Magnificent Andy for Miller in Race 8.

Four-time Group 1-winning jockey Miller, who has known Oliver for 30-plus years, said it was “really exciting” to be part of “The GOAT’s” last day at the races as a jockey.

“I first met him when he started helping out in the jockeys’ room as a valet so to see how far he’s come has been pretty amazing,” Miller said.

“He’s certainly one of the best jockeys we’ve ever seen.”

READ | Damien Oliver ranks his Top 10 Group 1 wins

Damien Oliver with his mum, Pat, at the races.

Miller said it would be an emotional moment if seven-year-old gelding San Fabrizio could win, given Oliver’s wife and mum are part owners.

“He’s got a great chance and would be extra special if Ollie could win on that horse given his family connection,” he said.

“I’m pretty good mates with him so it wasn’t too hard to get Ollie to ride a couple for me on his last day.”

READ | ‘The phone’s been running hot’: Seven rides for Oliver on last day

Miller said Magnificent Andy, which carries 61½kg, “has a lot of weight but the horse has a fair bit of class and is on his game.”

“Ollie rode him in trackwork on Tuesday, and he was more than happy to ride him on Saturday,” he said. “Both of our horses Ollie’s riding should run well.”

Trainer Roy Rogers, who has been extremely close with the Oliver family since they were children, will leg Oliver aboard Big Bada Boom in Race 3.

“We both grew up together, his brother Jason and I were pretty much inseparable so it was tragic when he died,” Rogers said.

“Ollie’s grandmother used to call me the twin brother, and I have Ollie’s mum Pat’s number in my phone as “Mum”.

“Without Damien and Jason I wouldn’t have got into racing. We used to race BMX together, and then I left school at 14 and started riding in races when I was 15.”

Trainer Roy Rogers (centre) at the races in 2003.

Rogers said Oliver had only ridden one winner for him — Mr Causeway at Ascot in November last year.

“It was an extraordinary ride,” Rogers said. “Any kid wanting to be a jockey should watch that race and find out what it takes to become a great jockey.”

Rogers said Oliver has “never changed” despite his fame.

“After he was here for the races last year, he came home in the truck with me and chucked his gear in the back,” he said.

“He got offered rides home in cars with plenty of people but he just wanted to jump in the truck.”

Oliver’s mum Pat, despite her ill health, is expected to be trackside on Saturday.

Oliver’s seven rides for his final day are San Fabrizio (Race 2), Big Bada Boom (Race 3), Yonga Lass (Race 4), Captain Pluto (Race 5), Devine Belief (Race 7), Magnificent Andy (Race 8) and Munhamek (Race 9).

Trainer Nick Ryan will leg Oliver up for the last time in the $1.5 million Damien Oliver Gold Rush, which will be run at 5.32pm Perth time (8.32pm EDT).

Originally published as Jockey Damien Oliver riding for his wife and mum on his last day in the saddle at Ascot