South American sensation enjoying Queensland challenge

By Jordan Gerrans

On the back of his maiden metro ride last Saturday afternoon, hard-working Uruguayan hoop Raul Silvera Olivera is looking to further cement himself in the Sunshine State when he heads to Calliope on Boxing Day.

It has been a busy week for the South American rider.

He headed to the city from his Central Queensland base for one engagement on Saturday before landing a victory at Mackay on Monday for young conditioner Tom Smith.

After relocating to Australia to further his career in the saddle in the 2023-24 campaign, the 34-year-old has quickly racked up 20 victories.

The bulk of those have come at Rockhampton and Mackay.

The internationally experienced rider was handed his first look at city racing in Queensland on Saturday when he partnered Sunnycoast for Jamie McConachy in the Class 6 Handicap.

The four-year-old galloper led for much of the trip over 1000 metres before finishing just under three lengths behind winner Bezique.

The rare chance to ride on a metropolitan Saturday was not lost on Silvera Olivera.

“It is nice to ride in the city,” he said.

“It is a big opportunity for me. I rode the horse in a trial and then we won together at Mackay and Rockhampton.

“They decided to put me on at Eagle Farm as I know the horse. I think it is important in this game when you know the horse well like I do with him – it gives the horse a better opportunity.

“I know it is hard to find horses to ride in the city, places like Eagle Farm and Doomben, because there is other jockeys, very good jockeys.”

Sunnycoast is raced by Brian and Lorraine Hall of Graceville Thoroughbreds.

The Uruguayan jockey lives with the Halls in Central Queensland.

Silvera Olivera was an accomplished rider in his home country before moving across the world to Australia.

The hoop is working hard on his English and says he is settling in well.

“It is a different style of racing in Australia compared to back home – it is a big change for me,” he said.

“But, I am improving little by little.

“I have been competitive here and I am happy with the number of winners I have ridden so far – hopefully there is more soon.”

With 20 victories already on his Australian resume, the regional town of Calliope provides him with a handful more chances to add to that on Thursday.

He takes a ride for five different trainers at the meeting. Calliope is based inland from Gladstone in CQ.

“I have some good rides for Thursday,” he said.

Silvera Olivera heads to the bush town in winning touch after scoring aboard Scrub Chain for Smith on Monday at Mackay’s Ooralea track.

The Uruguayan came from back in the field to steal the QTIS Three-Year-Old Handicap over 1300 metres in a diving finish.

The Smith-prepared three-year-old has now won three of his last four and appears to be building nicely.

“I thought he was a good chance going into the race,” Silvera Olivera said.

“It was a hard race but he still won.

“Hopefully he is a horse that I can follow and continue to win races for Tom.”