Oliver on the outer
Stewards investigate betting allegations
DAMIEN Oliver’s spring racing carnival has been thrown in to chaos after confirmation authorities are investigating claims he placed a $10,000 bet on a rival mount.
Stewards yesterday confirmed they were investigation the allegations as Oliver was dumped by leading owner Lloyd Williams, who had booked him to ride Green Moon in Saturday week’s Cox Plate.
It was alleged Oliver bet $10,000 through a third party on Miss Octopussy to win a race at Moonee Valley in October, 2010. He rode second favourite, Europa Point.
Yesterday Oliver said the allegation was damaging and hurtful.
‘‘I’ve been a jockey for 24 years,’’ he said in a statement. ‘‘My record and reputation show me to be honest, committed and trustworthy. With regards to the allegations made I cannot and will not be making any com- ment, other than to say allegations such as these are damaging and hurtful and that everyone, myself included, should have the right to a due process being followed here.
‘‘With that in mind, I’d request that my rights in this area be respected.’’
Racing Victoria chief executive, Rob Hines, confirmed the Miss Octopussy race was being investigated.
‘‘We can confirm that a race involving Miss Octo- pussy is the subject of a stewards’ investigation,’’ he said. ‘‘That investigation is on-going and thus we’ll be making no further comment on it at this time.
‘‘(Another) race involving Smoking Aces is subject to a police investigation and a stewards’ investigation, both of which are continuing, and thus we won’t be making any further comment on it at this time.
‘‘(Other) allegations made regarding jockeys Craig Newitt and Jim Cassidy appear not to be current information. They are of interest to us though, and we intend to look into both matters.’’
Premier Ted Baillieu said he did not believe the allegations placed a cloud over the carnival.
‘‘I can understand there would be some anxiousness about this, but I’m sure Victorians understand the spring racing carnival is a pretty special event,’’ Mr Baillieu said.