Flat jockey returns to Britain after decade of riding on international scene

Jockey Richard Oliver has swapped riding in exotic locations such as Mauritius and Martinique for the winter all-weather season as he aims to relaunch his career in Britain.

The new year has signalled a fresh start for Oliver as he has returned home to Yorkshire and taken his first rides in Britain since 2017.

Aside from a summer stint for Mark Johnston that year, the 30-year-old has not ridden in Britain for a decade having served most of his apprenticeship in the States before joining the international circuit.

The freelance jockey has been riding out for David O'Meara and Karl Burke and has had 12 rides since the end of December, with a second at Newcastle the closest he has come to getting off the mark.

"I'm chipping away through the winter and waiting for the spring," he said. "I'm putting my head down and working hard, riding yearlings, doing breakers and riding work for as many people as possible.

"I'm based in Sheriff Hutton with my wife and daughter, who is starting school. I've got the itchy feet out of my system and I'd like to stay here for the foreseeable future."

Oliver, who puts his total number of winners on thoroughbreds at "around 200", has had big-race success in countries like South Korea and Mauritius and was also contracted to ride in Bahrain for its royal family.

"I've been away since the middle of 2017," he said. "I won a big purse race in South Korea on an US-bred filly called Core Blade and a local Group 2 in Mauritius, which was quite big in terms of atmosphere and excitement.

"I spent some time in France with Criquette Head and have ridden a good bit in America. I've even had a winner or two in the Caribbean in Martinique and Guadeloupe."

He added: "It's quite stressful working on a contract basis like I have over the last five or six years. They're short-term seasonal contracts so you're constantly looking for the next job or keeping the job you've got for the following season."

The lightweight jockey, who has ridden six winners in Britain, has teamed up with agent Laura Way and is hoping demand for his services increases once the turf season starts.

"I can do bottom weight as I'm eight stone every day, so I don't struggle with that," he said. "I'm keeping the body good and light and keeping people happy for those horses coming in for the spring. Slowly things are taking shape and I'm happy with it."

Richard Oliver jockey details

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