Oliver loses Sandown suspension appeal

Brad Waters - Tuesday August 22

Champion jockey Damien Oliver has lost the ride on Vega Magic in the Memsie Stakes after failing in an appeal against the severity of a careless riding suspension he incurred at Sandown last Wednesday.

Advertisement
Damien Oliver lost an appeal against the severity of a careless riding suspension. Photo: Darryl Sherer

Oliver was suspended for 14 meetings for causing interference on Redcore in the Sheamus Mills Bloodstock Handicap but the jockey argued Craig Williams contributed to the problem on the eventual winner Esperance.

Oliver argued Williams committed a "selfish act" when he allowed Esperance to improve slightly on Redcore's inside, which contributed to the severe interference, which is shown in the footage below.

Oliver represented himself in the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board appeal against the severity but had no joy arguing his case while chief steward Terry Bailey represented the stipes at the hearing.

Oliver remains suspended until midnight on September 2.

Advertisment
More Reading...
A Century of National Yearling Sales Success: Melbourne Cup
There are many great events and coveted prizes on the Australian racing calendar, but no others capture attention quite like the Melbourne Cup (3200m).
Tara Talks Racing - Melbourne Cup Tips
If you are a racing tragic and horse lover like Clocker and I, Melbourne Cup Eve is as good as it gets, so have a listen to our thoughts and you can put the pen through our very dodgy tips or add them to your multiples!
A Wet Melbourne Cup Has a Certain Kind of Magic
Wet Melbourne Cups have a different character, and are often memorable... and we might just see one on Tuesday! 
Stunning Frankel Stallion Diego Velazquez to Swettenham Stud in 2026
Swettenham Stud are thrilled to announce that Frankel’s exceptional Group 1 winner DIEGO VELAZQUEZ (IRE)  will shuttle to their Nagambie operation, commencing in 2026.
G1 Breeders Cup Winner for Almanzor
Cambridge Stud’s Almanzor (FR) has been firing in the Northern Hemisphere this year and one of his star performers has been French Oaks winner Gezora, who raised the bar again at Del Mar on Sunday when taking out the Group I Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare (1m3f).
Breeding To Win - 2025 G1 Melbourne Cup
The greatest day in Australian racing, nay in Australian sport is upon us - Cup Eve is better than Christmas Eve!
DIY Pedigrees for Melbourne Cup – Take the Tip!
If you are having trouble settling on your Melbourne Cup horses a look at pedigree might be a help, so take a flick through our five generation pedigrees for all Cup runners and we’re giving you a clue as to what to look for!
Sire Table Shake Up – Carnival Stars Bring Change
The $10million Golden Eagle and the first day of the Flemington Carnival delivered some big changes to our sire tables as we power through the spring.
White Robe Lodge to Cheer Smokin' Romans
Group One winner Smokin’ Romans will aim to extend his breeder Brian Anderton’s successful run in the Gr.1 Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m) when he takes his place in the iconic Flemington feature on Tuesday afternoon.
Sires With Winners - Sunday November 2
Here is the full list of 62 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.