Racing Icon Damien Oliver Hospitalised Following Surfing Mishap
Legendary jockey Damien Oliver has been taken to hospital after a serious accident while surfing, casting a shadow over his post-retirement activities. The celebrated rider, who retired in 2023 after a storied 35-year career, shared a revealing picture from his hospital bed on Friday, displaying a significant gash under his chin.
Accident Details and Immediate Response
Oliver disclosed that the incident occurred while he was surfing near Torquay, a popular coastal area in Victoria. In a social media post, he remarked, "Came off second best in the surf yesterday", expressing gratitude to the medical teams at Torquay Urgent Care Clinic and Torquay Ambulance Services for their prompt assistance. He added, "I thought those ambulance days would be long over", referencing his history of injuries from racing.
Further medical care was provided at Geelong Hospital, where Oliver thanked nurses and ENT surgeons for their exceptional attention. The accident has sparked concern among fans and peers, highlighting the risks associated with surfing even for seasoned athletes.
Career Highlights and Legacy
Damien Oliver's career is nothing short of illustrious, marked by numerous accolades and emotional triumphs. He won the Melbourne Cup three times, a feat that includes the poignant 2002 victory just days after his brother Jason's tragic death. This emotional story was later depicted in the film The Cup, starring Stephen Curry as Oliver.
Throughout his career, Oliver secured nearly every major Australian race, including two Cox Plates and four Caulfield Cups. He amassed over 3,000 wins, setting an Australian record with 129 Group 1 victories. His final rides at Ascot were triumphant, culminating in a race named in his honour, the Damien Oliver Gold Rush.
Despite his success, Oliver faced significant injuries, such as a broken spine in 2005, underscoring the dangers of professional horse racing. His legacy extends beyond the track, with Ascot Racecourse opening "Ollie's Bar" in his honour post-retirement, and he received Racing Victoria's Scobie Breasley medal fourteen times.
Personal Life and Surfing Passion
An avid surfer, Oliver frequently enjoys Victoria's breaks, including Bird Rock in Queenscliff and Bells Beach in Torquay. He has also travelled to Bali for surf trips and owned a holiday home in Jan Juc for 25 years, overlooking prime surf spots. Oliver has praised Esperance on Western Australia's South West coast as "the prettiest place I've ever been as far as beaches go".
Raised in Byford and beginning his career in Perth, Oliver gained fame on the Eastern Seaboard after joining the Freedman brothers as a teenager. His dedication to surfing reflects a lifelong passion for the ocean, now marred by this recent accident.
Outpouring of Support and Recovery
Following his social media update, Oliver received an influx of well-wishes from fans, friends, and sports figures. Former AFL star and Channel 7 commentator Dale Thomas, along with journalist Kirk Willcox and other followers, expressed concern and hopes for a speedy recovery. Oliver responded gratefully, stating, "Thanks for the well wishes everybody. I'm all ok".
This incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports and leisure, even for retired champions. As Oliver recuperates, the racing and surfing communities alike await his full recovery, celebrating his enduring impact on Australian sports culture.
