EXCLUSIVE: Tommy Berry turns to NRL physiotherapist in bid to overcome injury ahead of 2025 Golden Slipper

Champion jockey Tommy Berry has turned to a renowned NRL physiotherapist to fix his troublesome shoulder and keep alive his dream of a record-equalling fourth Golden Slipper next month.

Injured jockey Tommy Berry is still hoping to ride either Pallaton (right) or O' Ole in this year's Golden Slipper. Pictures: Getty Images

Champion jockey Tommy Berry’s shoulder injury is worse than first thought and he is turning to a renowned NRL physiotherapist to keep his dream alive of a record-equalling fourth Golden Slipper next month.

Berry is visiting Canberra Raiders physio Konrad Schultz on Friday to try to fast-track his recovery after suffering neck and shoulder injuries in a Randwick race fall last month.

After initially aiming for a February 22 comeback, Berry has had to delay his return until March 1 at the earliest.

Berry’s painful left shoulder injury was initially diagnosed as a grade one ligament tear to the AC joint but subsequent scans have found the injury to be more severe.

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“We thought it was a grade one but it is a grade two,’’ Berry said.

“So, this means where we were hoping I could be back in four weeks, it might be more like six weeks now.’’

Berry fractured the C4 vertebrae in his neck and injured his shoulder in the Randwick incident back on January 22.

After initially fearing he might miss the Sydney autumn carnival, Berry is setting his sights on a comeback for Sydney’s first Group 1 meeting of the year, the Verry Elleegant Stakes at Royal Randwick on March 1.

Berry’s close friend, Raiders great Jarrod Croker, has arranged for the jockey to visit Schultz on Friday to get the physiotherapist’s expert opinion on the shoulder problem.

“Jarrod is on the coaching staff at the Raiders these days and they are having a Captain’s Run on Friday so I am going to Canberra to watch them train before I see their physio to get his advice,’’ Berry said.

Jockey Tommy Berry celebrates his Magic Millions Classic win aboard O’ Ole. Picture: Grant Peters / Trackside Photography

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“I’m then due to have a meeting with Dr (David) Duckworth on Monday and after seeing them both, I should have a good guide on where I am at because by Monday everyone will want to know if I am back in two weeks as that is when you start booking rides.

“I just want to make sure I have all the answers by then and if I have to delay my return another week or so to be confident of getting back then I will do that.’’

It’s not all bad news for Berry with the jockey expecting confirmation he can remove his neck brace on Friday.

“My shoulder is feeling better every day, it is improving,’’ he said.

“It will be good to get my neck brace off on Friday so I can start having more physiotherapy treatment.’’

O' Ole wins the Magic Millions 2YO Classic! 🏆@BBakerRacing@[e-mail]/DMvU5hIUmJ

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) January 17, 2025

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Berry is in line to ride either unbeaten colt Pallaton or Magic Millions winner O’ Ole in the $5 million Golden Slipper (1200m) on March 22.

But the jockey won’t be able to ride either two-year-old at their next start with Pallaton expected to return in the Pierro Plate at Randwick on February 15 and O’ Ole likely to go to Melbourne for the Blue Diamond Stakes a week later.

“Pallaton is going to the Pierro Plate but I’m confident I will be right to ride him in the Todman Stakes (Randwick, March 8),’’ said Berry, who has won Golden Slippers on Stay Inside (2021), Vancouver (2015) and Overreach (2013).

That's a BIG win to Pallaton at Randwick! 🙌@MFreedmanRacing | @TommyBerry21 | @aus_turf_club | @CoolmoreAuspic.twitter.com/txZneOdLTi

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) December 21, 2024

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“It looks like O’ Ole will run in the Blue Diamond as she needs prizemoney to get into the Golden Slipper.

“The original plan had me back on February 22 but it is looking more like March 1 although it all depends on my recovery. I will know a lot more after I see the Canberra Raiders physio on Friday.’’

In latest TAB Fixed Odds betting for the Golden Slipper, Pallaton is equal second favourite at $11 and O’ Ole is at $21 behind the $3.50 favourite Wodeton.

Originally published as EXCLUSIVE: Tommy Berry turns to NRL physiotherapist in bid to overcome injury ahead of 2025 Golden Slipper