Leading Australian jockey banned until 2024 over betting scandal
Tommy Berry: intends to appeal against the ban
Leading Sydney-based jockey Tommy Berry will not be able to race-ride until next year having being found guilty of accepting payments from a prominent punter after the latter placed successful bets.
Berry, who has ridden more than 1,500 winners, was handed a total disqualification of 12 months and two weeks for "accepting or agreeing to accept considerations" from gambler Zaid Miller, and an additional four-week suspension for having a mobile phone in the weighing room.
According to reports by NewsCorp and Fairfax Media, Berry has signalled his intention to appeal against the ban and will apply for a stay of proceedings so he can continue riding until an appeal is heard.
It was reported the considerations relate to successful bets placed by Miller on Waterford, trained by Chris Waller, at Warwick Farm on March 23 last year and the James Cummings-trained Character and John O’Shea-trained Promise Of Success at Newcastle five days later. Berry rode the first two named horses in those races.
Racing New South Wales stewards found Miller transferred $15,000 (£8,540/€9,650) to Berry's mother Julie after the punter won more than $100,000 (£56,930/€64,310) on races following advice from the jockey.
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 and not expire until midnight on Sunday, December 31, before the extra four-week suspension will be applied, ruling him ineligible to ride until January 29 next year.
Miller was given a 15-month disqualification for his role in the offences, meaning he can not bet on the sport or own horses during his suspension.
Berry has ridden 37 top-level winners, including seven in Hong Kong, two in Singapore and 23 in Sydney.
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