Oliver takes Americain ride
Saturday 27 October 2012
Gerald Mosse has lost the ride on 2010 Melbourne Cup hero Americain with Damien Oliver taking over for next month's Flemington feature.
Mosse was aboard the Alain de Royer-Dupre-trained stayer when he claimed the Group One prize two years ago and rode him to finish fourth in his prep race in the Caulfield Cup, but Americain's owners believe their horse needs a local rider for the big race and Oliver fits the bill.
"Gerald's done a great job in the past," part-owner Gerry Ryan told The Australian.
"But, after taking advice from analysts and other racing people, we felt we needed an Australian jockey.
"Damien's record speaks for itself and we believe he can get the job done."
Oliver, who is under investigation for alleged illegal gambling, was initially due to the ride the Luca Cumani-trained My Quest For Peace before owners OTI Racing decided he was not the right man for the job.
He is delighted to have now secured the mount on a leading contender.
"It's a great opportunity to ride a horse of Americain's calibre in the Melbourne Cup," Oliver said. "I think he can win the race.
"I'm very grateful that people of Gerry Ryan and Kevin Bamford's standing would give me this opportunity.
"Hopefully I can repay their faith in me in spades."
Comments
Please sign in to post a comment.