19 After decades in the racing world, Damien Oliver found himself retracing the familiar route to Byford, Western Australia, in August this year, a journey etched in his memory. This marked a significant moment in the illustrious career of arguably Australia’s greatest jockey – a return to where it all began. When Oliver visited Byford with the prestigious Lexus Melbourne Cup trophy as part of the VRC’s Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour in an unannounced visit to his old primary school, the jockey was greeted by 300 excited students. They listened intently as the champion jockey shared anecdotes from his school days and his early steps into the world of work. And why wouldn’t they, when they are graced by the presence of one of the most successful jockeys in Australian history? Jody Harrington, the headmaster of Byford Primary, recalled Oliver’s inspiring message to the students: “Damien told the students that you can achieve anything you want in life, believe in yourself, and trust in your abilities.” Harrington and her staff were impressed by how the older students connected with Oliver, showing a genuine curiosity about his life since leaving school and becoming one of the college’s most celebrated alumni. Earlier this year, Oliver announced his retirement at the age of 51, capping a remarkable 35 years in the saddle, and three Melbourne Cup victories. This all came from hard work and talent, but a chance meeting with trainer Anthony Freedman early in his career at a local yearling sale in Perth was a pivotal moment. Over coffee, they forged a partnership that would become one of racing’s most successful collaborations. NUMBER 3: Ollie brings home Gai’s first Melbourne Cup when teaming up with European import, Fiorente, in 2013. (Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
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