Tommy Berry spends anniversary of the passing of twin brother Nathan in the saddle

The fifth anniversary of jockey Nathan Berry’s death will feel a little easier for brother Tommy when he spends most of the day doing what the siblings enjoyed most — race riding.

Tommy Berry maintains the closest he feels to his late twin brother, Nathan, is when he is on horseback.

This will make the fifth anniversary of Nathan’s passing just a little easier for him when he spends most of Wednesday doing what the brothers enjoyed most — race riding.

Berry, who rides at the Randwick Kensington meeting, admitted it was a day of reflection for him and his family.

(L — R) Nathan Berry shares a laugh with Tommy after riding Unencumbered to victory in the 2014 Magic Millions 2YO Classic. Picture: Adam Head

“I enjoy talking about Nathan and enjoy talking about his life,’’ Tommy Berry told The Daily Telegraph.

“The times when it is tough to talk about him is (today), our birthday, Christmas … because the memories come flooding back.

“But it upsets me more seeing Mum and Dad, it’s a very tough day for them.

“I feel like I can deal with it but it hurts me more seeing them in pain.

“Having kids myself now, I can understand why it is so hard for Mum and Dad.’’

Tommy Berry is consoled by his then fiancee Sharnee Nisbet (Blue Dress) and his mum Julie Berry (Black Dress) during a tribute to Nathan Berry on Golden Slipper day in 2014.

Nathan Berry, the older of the twins, died from with Norse syndrome, an acute condition related to epilepsy, on April 3, 2014.

Just two days later, a grieving Tommy Berry found the inner strength to ride at the Golden Slipper meeting.

It was a remarkable act of courage and selflessness but Berry conceded he felt more comfortable doing his “job” that day.

“In the six months after (Nathan died) was some of my best riding,’’ Tommy Berry said. “The closest I feel to Nathan is when I’m on horseback.

Jockey Nathan Berry rides no1 Unencumbered to the win in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic on the Gold Coast and is hugged by twin brother Tommy Berry as he enters the Jockeys room. Pics Adam Head

“It’s been five years but it feels a lot shorter with all the memories. He has been gone a lot less than he was alive.

“I was only thinking about it last night, I have my fourth child coming, we have lived in Hong Kong, I’ve been to Dubai, and made two trips to Japan — all this has happened since Nathan has been gone.’’

To commemorate Nathan’s memory, Racing NSW chief executive Peter V’landys introduced the Nathan Berry Medal to be awarded to the leading jockey at The Championships each year.

“Nathan Berry was not only a great jockey, but he was a very nice person held in the highest regard, as is his brother Tommy,’’ V’landys said.

“Nathan’s passing was a tragedy that touched so many people. At Racing NSW, we wanted to honour his memory by having the Nathan Berry Medal, awarded annually at The Championships.’’

Tommy Berry and his wife Sharnee and their baby Kaiden.

Perhaps there was a sense of destiny about the inaugural Nathan Berry Medal five years ago with Tommy clinching the coveted honour after winning two Group 1 races during The Championships including the Sydney Cup on The Offer.

Although Tommy hasn’t been able to win the award since, he is a definite contender this year with his four competitive Group 1 rides on Day One of The Championships at Royal Randwick this Saturday.

Berry is riding Japanese raider Kluger in the $3 million The Star Doncaster Mile (1600m), brilliant sprinter Pierata in the $2.5 million Aquis TJ Smith Stakes (1200m), Madison County in the $2 million Harrolds ATC Australian Derby (2400m) and Spring Loaded in the $1 million Inglis ATC Sires Produce Stakes (1400m).