Oliver to ride Defier
By Tony Arrold
September 18, 2003
CHRIS Munce has been dumped as the rider of leading Cox Plate contender Defier, with Damien Oliver to replace him on the Guy Walter-trained dual Group One winner for the rest of the spring.
Bruce Clark, who manages both leading riders, confirmed that managing part-owner Jim Koureas wanted Oliver to take the reins on Defier starting with the George Main Stakes at Randwick on Saturday week.
Defier won the Group One race last year with Munce aboard.
Oliver will then ride Defier in the Yalumba Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield on October 11 and in his main spring mission, the $3million Cox Plate (2040m) on October 25.
Munce, Defier's regular rider for some time, was philosophical about Koureas' decision.
"I've had a wonderful association with Defier and with Guy but this is an owner's call and you just have to accept it and move on, and that is what I will be doing," he said.
Oliver has ridden Defier three times for two wins including last year's Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick.
"I have watched his two runs this time in very closely and he looks to be near the top of his game," Oliver said.
"We all know he is a top-class horse when he is right, and if so, he will be a great Cox Plate mount."
* OLIVER and Clark are hoping True Glo can add to their success in the $350,000 Dubai Racing Club Cup at Caulfield on Sunday.
Clark is a part-owner of the Lee Freedman-trained True Glo who last Saturday ran a slashing second to Spinning Hill in the Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley.
Oliver has an outstanding record in the Club Cup, winning it five times.
