Ascot Racecourse springs back to life this weekend, with the attendance of legendary jockey Damien Oliver a surprise treat for punters on opening day.
Marking the beginning of the Spring Racing Carnival, Saturday’s festivities are set to draw thousands of West Australians to the track for the first of many exciting events underway between now and January.
Oliver’s attendance coincides with the grand opening of the new Ollie’s Bar located in the recently re-named Damien Oliver Stand — an ode to the man himself who had his final career ride at Ascot last year before retiring.
Perth Racing Chief Executive Officer James Oldring said Ollie’s Bar would likely be a hit with visitors who would be able to view a raft of memorabilia on display.
“We have completely refurbished the bar in the grandstand to be Ollie’s bar, and he and his family have been extremely generous with the donation of memorabilia — many of which have never been seen in public before,” he said.
“So it’s a bit of hybrid bar-museum which celebrates the career of one of the best jockeys Australia is likely to know.”
Despite a run of unpredictable weather in the west, Mr Oldring said he couldn’t have asked for anything better for the season opener.
“It’s set to be 25 degrees, with a light breeze and the odd patch of cloud,” he said.
“It will be a beautiful, beautiful Spring day in Perth.”
The Spring racing season will culminate with annual The Perth Cup at Ascot on January 1, before racing heads into its Summer Carnival.
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