Race caller Craig Evans, jockey Damien Oliver, race bookie John Dow and trot bookie Rob Malloy upon completion of 18 holes at Black Bull Golf Course.
Arguably Australia’s greatest ever jockey, Damien Oliver enjoyed being in Yarrawonga Mulwala last week, playing golf at both our championship golf courses over three days.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
It was his second trip to Yarrawonga, having made his original visit the same time last year, soon after the Melbourne Cup.
After sinking a 6-foot putt for birdie on Black Bull Golf Course’s Par 5 18th hole last Thursday, Oliver commented on the course and the two 18-hole courses at Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort.
Damien Oliver putts in for a birdie 4 on Black Bull’s 18th hole, with Lake Mulwala in the background.
“They’re fantastic courses,” the 51-year-old Huntingdale Golf Club member told the Yarrawonga Chronicle. “It has been very enjoyable.”
On Tuesday last week, Oliver played the YMGCR’s Lake Course and next day the Murray Course, clocking up 29 and 34 points respectively. His final, fine putt at Black Bull resulted in 35 points, off a 10 handicap. His lowest handicap is five. Well known local Johnny Dow was in Oliver’s playing group and had 37 points, off 23.
After three Melbourne Cup wins and some 130 Group 1 wins – more than anyone else - Oliver will have his final ride in Perth on December 16. His first Melbourne Cup victory was in 1995 onboard Doriemus, won with Media Puzzle in 2002 and with Fiorente in 2013.
Racing has been such a huge part of his life. “Racing’s been my life for 36 years. There have been highs and lows. I’ve had a pretty good career,” he said.
One of Australia’s leading racing experts, John (Dr Turf) Rothfield, a 20 golf handicapper, said: “I’ve never ridden against Damien but playing golf against him is hard enough!”
Asked as to whether Oliver is Australia’s greatest jockey, Dr Turf responded: “The record says he is. You’ve got to go by the record and Damien has ridden more Group 1 winners than anyone.”
Champion jockey Brent Thompson shared that opinion. “I guess you’d have to say he’s right up there with the best, George Moore, with his Group 1 winners. Yes, the record says he’s the best.
“We love coming up here. The town’s so fortunate to have two such fantastic golf courses,” the 23 handicapper said.
22°C