Damien Oliver wins the "Don"

[Go_The_Mighty_Magpies]

Oliver wins top gong

By Michael Davis and Brendan Cormick - Fox Sports

CHAMPION jockey Damien Oliver last night won the Sport Australia "Don" award for 2003.

The Don, named after Donald Bradman, is awarded annually to the sportsperson who has most inspired the nation.

Oliver won the award for his ride on last year's Melbourne Cup winner Media Puzzle only a week after his brother, Jason, died after a fall in a barrier trial in Perth.

As Media Puzzle crossed the line, Oliver raised an arm to the heavens to acknowledge his late brother.

It was Oliver's second winning ride in the Melbourne Cup.

The judges awarded Oliver the Don in front of Lleyton Hewitt (tennis), Jason McCartney (Australian football) and Jana Pittman (athletics).

Oliver could not attend last night's ceremony in Melbourne because he is in Hong Kong where he won an international riding series on Wednesday.

He is staying there as he will ride Australian galloper Dantana in the International Sprint tomorrow.

Oliver was last night represented by his agent Bruce Clark.

"It's a shame I could not be there but it's important to represent your country," Oliver said from Hong Kong. "We don't get too many chances to do that as a jockey.

"There were some great sporting moments last year and to be recognised is a great honour.

"It is also good for racing because it is not always recognised as a mainstream sport."

The award was presented by Bradman's son, John.

Five sportspeople were inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame last night. They were John Eales (rugby); Rechelle Hawkes (hockey); Megan Marcks (rowing); Michele Timms (basketball) and Stuart Tinney (equestrian).

Two sports administrators - Perry Crosswhite and Frank Pike - were inducted as associate members.

Racing car driver Jack Brabham was honoured as a Sport Australia Hall of Fame "legend".

Brabham won the world championship three times and was the first driver to be knighted for his services to motor sport. He joined 22 other sporting greats who have been accorded "legend" status.