Oliver family honoured as Damien steals show as special guest at Kalgoorlie-Boulder Racing Club

The influence across nearly 90 years on Goldfields racing by the famous Oliver family, underpinned by hall of fame jockey Damien Oliver’s special guest appearance on Friday at the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Racing Club, has loomed large in the run to Saturday’s Kalgoorlie Cup.

In recognition of those strong family connections, Oliver — who retired in December with a record 129 Group 1 victories — had his first look at one of the latest displays at the Signpost Museum, featuring his grandfather Gerry’s old riding saddles.

Gerry Oliver rode Hannans Handicap winners in 1938 (Sir Grey) and 1940 (Remarc), and the 1965 Kalgoorlie Cup with Colour Correct.

In the Coolgardie Cup, Gerry Oliver was successful in 1939 with Cardo.

Museum curator Noel Jerrard, who has devoted many years to preserving Goldfields racing’s rich history, said there were nine saddles in all on display.

“(Legendary Goldfields-born race caller) Milton Pettit’s mother looked after Gerry Oliver in the latter stages of his life,” Jerrard explained.

“He lived with her in Campbell Street and Milton’s sister lived on Brownhill Road, or at least up that way, and her partner had all these saddles.

“When they left Kalgoorlie, the saddles were all brought in down here (to the KBRC), all packed-up in a box.

“That was only in the last five years and the display itself has only been up in the past few months.

“But that’s the enjoyment I get from this (running the museum) — when someone calls in and tells me that their grandfather was this or that at the club years ago.

“When I can find it (some details or memorabilia) for that family member, it’s just very pleasant being able to help them.”

Oliver was chuffed that his grandfather’s career had been honoured with a formal display.

“It’s pretty cool, isn’t it,” Oliver said.

“But I doubt I’d get my hoof in those (old-style irons).

“This whole display is amazing because racing has such a big history Australia-wide, let alone Kalgoorlie so it’s great to see these old photos — of just how big the crowds were and how big racing was in the Goldfields when it was one of the main sports.”

Oliver, whose father, Ray, and older brother, Jason, both died in race falls, said his career was centred on casting grief aside and forging his own reputation.

“I don’t like to dwell on it too much, and I wouldn’t say it inspired or motivated me but was just a sad part of my life and we all have to deal with death at some stage,” Oliver said.

“You never get used to it, but it does prepare you for things later in life and I think jockeys are generally pretty tough characters — I think you have to be.

“There’s lots of ups and downs in anyone’s career and any successful person has to endure those hurdles.”

Oliver said the expectations from pundits to uphold his own impeccable standards never really fazed him.

“I always enjoyed being successful and was never one to rest on my laurels (because) you know how hard you had to work to get there and how you need to keep working hard to maintain that.

“I took that as part of what I did.

“Maybe at times I felt the pressure, but if you prepare well and know what you’re doing, you should be equipped to cope.

“I always thought that the more prepared you are, the more comfortable you’ll be.”