An unusually emotional Damien Oliver has shared a group 1 success with Ballarat trainer Darren Weir in the Winterbottom Stakes at Ascot.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Although he has been based in Melbourne for decades, Oliver remains Perth's favourite son and returns to the summer carnival when he can.
He partnered Voodoo Lad, which charged home from last to win the $1 million 1200m sprint on Saturday.
"The horse thoroughly deserves that because he has missed a group 1 win before by a short margin," Weir told Sky Thoroughbred Central.
"When he got to the outside at the 300 (metres) I got excited and I could see he was launching and at the 100 I was really excited.
"It's a massive thrill and geez it was some ride."
Oliver is Australia's most successful active jockey with the Winterbottom win his 115th at the highest level.
"I am a bit emotional," Oliver said. "I love coming home. This is where it all started for me and it's great to be here in front of my Mum.”
