Oliver loses Sandown suspension appeal

Brad Waters - Tuesday Aug 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.

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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.

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