My deepest sympathy to relatives and friends of Jason Oliver, especially his mother Pat and brother Damien – such a tragedy!

Courtesy – The West Australian

JASON OLIVER'S jockey mates, stunned by his death last night, paid tribute to the highly- talented and happy-go-lucky young man from a tragic racing family.

"We can't believe they've gone through another racing tragedy. ( Jason’s father), Ray Oliver was a premierships and cups-winning jockey who died in a terrible fall in his mid-30s."

Five horses and jockeys crashed in the Boulder Cup. Ray, the only rider seriously injured, was flown to Perth for treatment but died a few hours later.

He had won the Perth Cup on Rendition (1958) and Fait Accompli (1972).

In 1991, Jason rode Boulder Cup winner Kaysart and was emotional as he returned to the weigh-in area.

Jason was a third-generation jockey. Ray's father, Gerry, rode Hannans Handicap winners at Kalgoorlie in 1938 and 1940. He won the 1965 Kalgoorlie Cup on Colour Correct.

The 1958-59 and 1959-60 Perth apprentices' premierships were won by Ray.

Jason Oliver, 33, rode almost 700 winners on WA tracks, won major Ascot carnival races and was successful in Victoria.

Jason began race riding in August, 1984 and was the leading Perth apprentice in 1987-88.

He won the 1990 Railway Stakes on Medicine Kid, 1991 Beat Diabetes Stakes on Old Role and 1994 Karrakatta Plate on Jacks Or Better.

Jason, who had several stints in Victorian racing, returned to Perth 10 months ago. He had 6074 mounts on WA tracks for 347 city and 350 country wins.

His last Perth winner was Lady Avonlea at Belmont on October 7. Bold Leader, at Albany last Sunday week, was his final winner.

[ This Message was edited by: Paddy on 2002-10-30 07:04 ]