DAMIEN OLIVER
Australia's champion jockey lines up with the star horses on Hong Kong International Raceday today at Sha Tin, after coming out on top of the star riders in Wednesday's International Jockey's Championship at Happy Valley. Oliver has won virtually everything there is to win in his home country and had a successful stint in Hong Kong during the late 1990s.
How did it feel to win the Jockey's Championship for the first time last week?
It was a great thrill. I got beaten by Frankie Dettori two years ago by just one point, and it all came down to one point again on Wednesday. I had one favourite ride in the second of the three races, so when I managed to win the first leg, I gave myself a great chance. My favourite ride finished runner-up, so I knew I probably only needed minor points in the last leg to get home, but it was touch and go for the last to run fifth.
You seem to see a bit of the world these days with these jockey championships?
Yes, we had one in Japan the week before, then here. I suppose being in the top bracket in Australia opens a few doors to these things and it's always great to pit yourself against the best from around the world. It's good socially, too.
You've won two Hong Kong Sprints in the past, how is your confidence on Dantana?