The Damien Oliver
The Damien Oliver is a Group 2 race run under Handicap conditions for the sprinters at Flemington conducted by the Victoria Racing Club.
The Damien Oliver is now run over 1400m. It was first run in 1868 and was won by Gulnare.
The race has had several name changes and was registered as the Linlithgow Stakes before being renamed as The Damien Oliver in honour of the champion rider who retired in 2023.
Early runnings of the Linlithgow Stakes were over six furlongs then up to seven from 1887, a mile from 1908 then back to seven furlongs in 1968 until 1992. It has been 1200m until upped to 1400m in 2022.
The Linlithgow Stakes was a Principal Race then a Group 2 from 1979.
This used to be run later in the carnival but moved to Derby Day from 2008. The history of the race is slightly distorted with the winners of the race at WFA included and the records swapped with that of the now Darley Classic.
Last horse to do The Damien Oliver/VRC Sprint Classic Cup week double was Glamour Puss in 2005.
After winning this race in 2018, Osborne Bulls would create history by running second in five straight G1s in the Autumn.
Kemalpasa made it back to back wins in 2020 and quirkily beat home the same horse Order Of Command. He then was beaten a nose in 2021.
The Damien Oliver was worth $500,000 in 2023.
Notable winners of The Damien Oliver include Kemalpasa (2019/2020), Osborne Bulls (2018), Deep Field (2014), Fontelina (2012/2013), Eagle Falls (2009), Hot Danish (2008), Magnus (2006), Glamour Puss (2005), Fastnet Rock (2004), Choisir (2002), Belle Du Jour (2001), Pharein (1999), Toledo (1998), Mahogany (1996), Redelva (1988/1990), Placid Ark (1987), Campaign King (1986), Always Welcome (1978), Scamanda (1974/1975/1976), Vain (1969), Wenona Girl (1963), Sky High (1962), Noholme (1959), Wiggle (1958), Prince Cortauld (1954), High Caste (1940/1941), Ajax (1937/1938), Chatham (1931/1932/1933), Phar Lap (1930), Amounis (1926/1927/1929), Violoncello (1922), Gladsome (1904/1905), Carbine (1888/1889) and Barbelle (1870/1871/1872).
The 2023 Damien Oliver was won by Cause For Concern from Bandersnatch and Munhamek.