Sydney-based jockey Tommy Berry has been slapped with a disqualification just short of 12 months, along with an additional licence suspension of four extra weeks, after being found guilty of accepting considerations from bets placed by a prominent punter.
Berry was handed a total disqualification of 11 months and two weeks relating 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.
According to reports by NewsCorp and Fairfax Media, Berry has signaled his intention to appeal the ban and apply for a stay of proceedings so that he can continue riding until an appeal is heard.
Media reported the considerations relate to bets placed by Miller on horses Waterford (Chris Waller) at Warwick Farm on March 23 last year, and Character (James Cummings) and Promise Of Success (John O'Shea) at Newcastle on March 28. Berry rode Waterford and Character in their respective races. The reports suggest that a family member was paid Au$15k. It was also reported that the punter won A$100k
Under the rules of Australian racing, it is illegal for jockeys to accept considerations from anyone other than a horse's owner without permission from stewards.
Berry's disqualification was to commence immediately upon the penalty being handed down on Tuesday (January 17) and not expire until midnight on Sunday, December 31, before the extra four-week suspension will be applied, ruling him ineligible to ride until Monday, January 29, 2024.
Racing NSW detailed the charges and findings in a release issued on Tuesday:
CHARGE 1
AR115(1)(b): Plea – Not Guilty
Verdict – Guilty
Penalty – 12-month disqualification, reduced to 9-month disqualification
CHARGE 2
AR115(1)(b): Plea – Not Guilty
Verdict – Guilty
Penalty – 12-month disqualification, reduced to 9-month disqualification. Penalty to be served concurrent with penalty issued for Charge 1.
CHARGE 3
AR218(4)(b): Plea – Guilty
Penalty – 3-week suspension, reduced to 2-week suspension.
CHARGE 4
AR218(4)(c): Plea – Guilty
Penalty – 6-week suspension, reduced to 4-week suspension. Penalty to be served concurrent with penalty issued for Charge 3.
CHARGE 5
AR228(a): Plea – Not Guilty
Verdict – Guilty
Penalty – 4-month disqualification, reduced to 3-month disqualification. Penalty to be served concurrent with penalties issued for Charges 1 & 2.
CHARGE 6
AR228(a): Plea – Guilty
Penalty – 4-month disqualification, reduced to 10-week disqualification. Penalty to be served cumulatively to the penalties issued under Charges 1, 2 & 5.
"In total, Tommy Berry's licence was disqualified for a period of 11 months and 2 weeks, commencing immediately (17 January, 2023) and to expire at midnight on Sunday, 31 December, 2023," read the statement.
"Jockey Berry's licence was further suspended for a period of 4 weeks, to commence on Monday, 1 January, 2024 and to expire on Monday, 29 January, 2024 on which day he may resume riding in races."
Racing.com and additional reporting
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