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Jockey Tommy Berry in happy place to score Group 1 Perth triumph in the Railway Stakes at Ascot

Tommy Berry has found happiness on and off the racetrack and that could deliver him a Group 1 in Perth on Saturday.

Roots and Tommy Berry blitz the field in the Hot Danish Stakes.
Roots and Tommy Berry blitz the field in the Hot Danish Stakes.

Tommy Berry says working out what makes him happy in life could have the spin-off of scoring a Group 1 triumph in Perth on Saturday.

Berry’s eight-month riding ban for improper dealings with a punter gave the Group 1 jockey some breathing space to work on himself and become a better man.

It finally gave him time to properly grieve the loss of twin brother Nathan in 2014 and also put his family relationships and his own health at the forefront of everything he does.

READ | The day Tommy Berry doubled as his brother in the stewards’ room

“I figured out what makes me happy while I was off and what I’ve got to do to keep myself happy and in a good frame of mind,” Berry told Racenet.

“My family and my Mum and Dad and sister are what keep me happy – and also just looking after myself, keeping my body fit.

“Now I am feeling good, everything seems to be flowing along great. I am in a lot better head space now that I am fit and happy.”

Seeking to add to his 37 career Group 1 wins – and score his first since returning from his riding ban – Berry will link with Chris Waller weapon Roots in the Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m) in Perth on Saturday.

Berry was on the mare in her most recent outing when being an explosive winner of the Group 2 Hot Danish Stakes over 1400m at Rosehill earlier this month.

Berry pointed to the mare’s exploits in Melbourne last year — including winning the Inglis Bracelet over the mile at Flemington — as a reason for extra confidence.

READ | Star sprinting mare coming out of retirement

“She’s knows what she is doing going in the direction they race in Perth,” Berry said.

“What she has done in Melbourne has shown that she gets on that leg very well and so that’s not going to be an issue.

“She has been a strong winner at the mile. The day she won at Flemington, it is a tough mile on a big track, she really pulled away from them late.

“So the distance isn’t going to be any query.”

Tommy Berry when riding Roots to win the Hot Danish Stakes earlier this month. Picture: Getty Images.
Tommy Berry when riding Roots to win the Hot Danish Stakes earlier this month. Picture: Getty Images.

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Berry will jet to Perth on Friday as he endeavours to keep a similar routine to what has made him successful in Sydney.

“I am riding Roots at 54(kg) over there, so I just don’t want to get over there too early,” Berry said.

“I have got an Aunty who has lived in Perth for 40 years and two cousins and they have got three or four kids each.

“So with the friends and family I’ve got there, I don’t want to get over there too early and start going out for lunch as I have to watch my weight for Saturday.”

Originally published as Jockey Tommy Berry in happy place to score Group 1 Perth triumph in the Railway Stakes at Ascot

Read related topics:Perth

Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/sport/superracing/nsw-racing/jockey-tommy-berry-in-happy-place-to-score-group-1-perth-triumph-in-the-railway-stakes-at-ascot/news-story/26f686551649dff1ccce7ef697805b6b