LEGENDARY jockey Damien Oliver rode off into the sunset by winning his final ever race – but stewards still slapped him with a ‘pathetic’ fine.
Punters slated the ‘fun police’ for whacking arguably Australia’s greatest ever jockey in the pocket after he celebrated victory on Munhamek.
Legendary jockey Oliver bowed out with one last winner – and a fineGetty
Oliver got the last of his 3,189 career wins at Ascot racecourse in Perth, Western Australia, on Saturday.
He won his final three rides but it was his celebration aboard Munhamek that forced stewards to act.
He was deemed to have ‘made a celebratory gesture prior to passing the winning post’ and fined $500 (£265).
Mind you, with career prize money winnings of £133million, it’s unlikely to bother the jockey too much.
Footage showed Oliver standing out of the saddle and punching the air – much like he did when he won the Melbourne Cup in 2002, days after his brother Jason had died.
The iconic jockey said after his final win: “Dreams do come true. That was unbelievable.”
But some punters thought the whole thing was soured somewhat by the stewards.
One said: “What a pathetic display from the Ascot stewards. Talk about spoiling a celebration.”
Another wrote: “The Ascot stewards clearly didn’t read the room.”
One comment said the decision was a ‘joke, an absolute joke’ while another blasted: “How petty on such a momentous day.”
Oliver, 51, hangs up his saddle after winning the race named in his honour.
He also the two previous contest on the card thanks to Divine Belief and Magnificent Andy.
The three-time Melbourne Cup champ admitted it was a ‘relief’ that he was finally done.
He added: “Attention has not been my area and it’s been overwhelming, but I got a wonderful reception.
“I’ll realise I’m done tomorrow when I’m nursing a hangover!”
FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chases their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org