Tommy Berry’s partnership with brilliant sprinter Chautauqua has helped him to secure the ride on Victorian raider Tofane (NZ) (Ocean Park) in the $15 million The Everest.
Trainer Mike Moroney confirmed the booking of Berry, citing the jockey’s relationship with Tofane’s part-owner Rupert Legh, who also raced six-time Group One winner Chautauqua, as a key factor.
Damien Oliver partnered Tofane to her first-up third in the Bobbie Lewis Quality at Flemington but COVID-19 travel restrictions prompted connections to look for a local hoop.
“With the current COVID-19 restrictions in place we had to look for a Sydney jockey and we’ve been fortunate to lock in Tommy Berry,” Moroney said.
“He’s a proven big race jockey and has won feature races in Rupert Legh’s colours before so it’s a nice fit.
“The mare has come through her first-up run at Flemington in good order so with a jockey in place we can concentrate on getting her to Sydney in the best possible shape.”
Tofane is proven in Sydney having won the Group One All Aged Stakes during the autumn.
The stable also confirmed it had booked Daniel Moor to ride stablemate Aktau in the Caulfield Cup.
