Victory ... Damien Oliver wins on Walk with Attitude in the Lexus Hybrid Plate. Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Limited
Embattled Damien Oliver shrugged off speculation over his racing future to ride a winner home at Flemington.
But his win aboard Walk With Attitude could not be replicated in the biggest field of all, when his highly fancied Americain finished 11th in the Melbourne Cup.
His appearance at the Cup was overshadowed by news he had fronted a stewards' panel to answer questions over allegations he bet $10,000 on rival horse Miss Octopussy at Moonee Valley two years ago.
Earlier, in race four, Rose of Peace had to be destroyed after breaking down with Oliver aboard.
His disappointing result in the Cup capped a tumultuous month in which he was interviewed by a panel of stewards over allegations he breached racing rules by betting, through a third person, on a horse he was racing against.
He lost his ride on Green Moon in the Cox Plate after the allegations surfaced.
The inquiry is due to wrap up within days. Oliver has seven rides booked for Oaks Day tomorrow, including Mama's Choice, which he will ride in the main race, the Crown Oaks, for trainer David Hayes.
Oliver yesterday batted off any questions relating to his future or his alleged betting activities.
"It's nice to get a win for (Americain's owner) Gerry (Ryan) before the Melbourne Cup," he said after winning on Walk with Attitude. "I hope I can get a running double for him."
Racing Victoria defended the decision not to suspend Oliver ahead of the Cup, with investigators saying their inquiry was ongoing.
Officials also declined to comment on reports that Oliver had admitted making the bet on Miss Octopussy to stewards.
Publicly, Oliver has neither confirmed nor denied making the bet.
"Stewards are conducting an ongoing investigation into the allegations and as no charges have been laid, it is a matter of procedural fairness to allow the jockey to continue riding," a Racing Victoria official said yesterday.
Racing Minister Denis Napthine's spokesman Mark Lee said the Government would not make any legislative changes until a report by the Racing Integrity Commissioner about alleged race fixing is released.
"The Government is awaiting the outcome of the Racing Integrity Commissioner's inquiry and will look to adopt his recommendations where appropriate," Mr Lee said.
The probe was launched amid allegations of misconduct against star jockey Danny Nikolic. Nikolic was suspended as an investigation got under way, but Opposition racing spokesman Martin Pakula said Racing Victoria needed stronger powers.
"It's beyond time for minister Napthine to give (Racing Victoria) the powers they've been calling for for two years now," Mr Pakula said.
It's the third time in as many years that Oliver's spring carnival has been beset with problems.
It has been widely speculated within the industry that Oliver is the first of several jockeys who will be exposed over betting on races.
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