Star NSW jockey Tommy Berry has copped a lengthy ban and a licence suspension after being found guilty of accepting considerations from bets placed by a punter.
The 34-time Group 1 winner was handed a total disqualification of 11 months and two weeks for “accepting or agreeing to accept considerations” from Zaid Miller, and an additional four-week suspension for having a mobile phone in the jockeys’ room.
Berry has already made it clear that his intention is to appeal his lengthy ban and apply for a stay of proceedings so that he can continue to ride until his appeal is heard.
The bets placed by Miller are believe to be on Waterford at Warwick Farm on March 23, 2022, as well as Character and Promise Of Success at Newcastle on March 28, 2022.
Berry took the saddle aboard Waterford and Character on those occasions.
As per the rules of racing in Australia, it is illegal for jockeys to accept considerations from anyone other than a horse’s owners without permissions from stewards.
Berry’s disqualification will expire on Sunday, December 31, 2023, before the four-week suspension will be applied, meaning punters will not see him in the saddle until at least January 29, 2024.
The decision comes after quite a successful 2022, where Berry claimed the Group 1 VRC Oaks and Group 1 Champagne Stakes aboard She’s Extreme and The Metropolitan at Group 1 level aboard No Compromise.
To begin the 2022/23 season Berry had ridden 30 winners and accumulated connections $6,127,000 in prizemoney.
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