Damien Oliver Gold Rush
The Damien Oliver Gold Rush is a Group 3 race run under Weights For Age conditions for the sprinters at Ascot conducted by Perth Racing.
The Damien Oliver Gold Rush is run over 1400m. It was first run in 1978 and was won by Burgess Queen.
The Gold Rush was previously known as the AJ Scahill Stakes until 2022.
It was renamed again as the Damien Oliver Gold Rush following the retirement announcement of the champion rider in 2023.
Early runnings of the AJ Scahill Stakes were at 1200m but the vast majority have been at 1400m.
The AJ Scahill Stakes was a Principal race to 1979 then was Group 3 afterwards. It was named after a former Vice Chairman of the WATC.
Only in 2016 did we see a top class horse win as Vega Magic got home in a field of five. Little did we know he'd win a Goodwood and Memsie and be placed in the first running of The Everest at Randwick.
In 2008 Takeover Target stayed on in Perth after winning the Winterbottom to take the Scahill easily against another four rivals a fortnight later.
2003 running was at Belmont racecourse.
Arcadia Queen's brother Arcadia Prince won in 2018.
After a failed stud career, a gelding operation and a long run of outs (20 starts), Kementari finally won another race since his Randwick Guineas as a 3yo. He had to go to Perth in 2020 to do it.
In one of the greatest moments in Australian racing history, Damien Oliver would go on to win his last three race rides including finishing with a near last to first victory in this race named in his honour.
The Damien Oliver Gold Rush was worth $1,500,000 in 2023.
Notable winners of the AJ Scahill Stakes/Gold Rush include Munhamek (2023), Kementari (2020), Vega Magic (2016), Watermans Bay (2014/2015), Grand Nirvana (2011), Waratah's Secret (2010), Takeover Target (2008), Marasco (2006), Tribula (2001), Willoughby (1998), Island Morn (1996), Medicine Kid (1990), Miss Muffett (1988), Heron Bridge (1986) and Burgess Queen (1978).
The 2023 Damien Oliver Gold Rush was won by Munhamek from Ripcord and Comfort Me.