DAMIEN Oliver has admitted he let the racing industry and himself down with his $10,000 bet at Moonee Valley back in the spring of 2010.
Oliver told the Herald Sun that he took “full responsibility” for his actions that led to an eight-month disqualification and two-month suspension.
The 41-year-old returns today from Vanuatu, where he attended yesterday's Cup meeting, and will ride trackwork tomorrow for the first time at Leon Corstens’ Romsey stables.
Oliver will face a media conference after trackwork.
He said his $10,000 bet on Miss Octopussy at Moonee Valley on October 1, 2010 – a race where he rode another horse - Europa Point – brought “a lot of undue pressure on the racing industry.”
“I feel I let racing down and myself down more importantly,” Oliver told the Herald Sun.
While many believe Oliver’s legal counsel negotiated a ‘light’ penalty with Racing Victoria stewards, the Hall of Fame jockey told the Herald Sun this was not the case.
“There was no deal with RVL,” Oliver said.
Oliver said he rode Europa Point on its merits in the race that he placed his winning $10,000 on Miss Octopussy.
“I rode that horse to the best of my ability, as I do every horse,” he said.
While his disqualification is finished, Oliver still must serve a two-month suspension before he can resume riding in races.
Oliver’s suspension ends on September 12.