Australian Jockey Oliver Suspended for Bet

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Photo: Simon Burgess

Damien Oliver

Racing Victoria suspended successful Australian jockey Damien Oliver for 10 months on Nov. 20 after the two-time Melbourne Cup (Aus-I) winner admitted to placing a $10,000 (Australian) win bet on a rival horse in 2010.

Racing Victoria Chairman Michael Duffy said the penalty is appropriate for the offense, considering Oliver admitted his guilt.

"The result of today's steward's inquiry has sent a powerful message to the jockey profession that there is a zero tolerance of any breaches of the prohibition on betting," Duffy said.

Oliver placed a $10,000 wager on 6-5 favorite Miss Octopussy in an October 2010 race at Moonee Valley. Miss Octopussy won the race—an event where Oliver's mount finished off the board—and paid $4.60. Oliver's wager returned $23,000.

The investigation of Oliver emerged after a committee was formed in August to investigate race fixing following media reports. Duffy said the Oliver matter is closed but the committee is looking at other matters raised during the investigation.

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