The Offer wins Chairman’s Handicap for Nathan Berry

An emotional Tommy Berry dedicated the win of The Offer in the Group 2 $300,000 Schweppes Chairman’s Handicap (2600m) at Randwick today to his twin brother Nathan who passed away just over a week ago.

The Offer and Tommy Berry combine to win the Group 2 Chairman's Handicap

The Offer and Tommy Berry combine to win the Group 2 Chairman's Handicap at Randwick. Photo by Steve Hart

“That was Nathan’s win today,” an emotional Tommy Berry said.

Berry and the rest of the family were left devastated when Nathan Berry lost his battle to NORSE Syndrome in Sydney after being transported back from Singapore.

The brothers did everything together, including a life as a jockey and Tommy vowed to keep on riding for himself and for Nathan.

“It’s been the hardest week of my life that’s for sure. But no harder than it had been for Nathan,” Berry said.

“Coming here today and being able to ride a winner for him is very special. It’s not just something I love doing, it’s something that Nathan loved doing and I am very fortunate that I can live his dream as well as mine now.”

“I was thinking about it the whole way to tell you the truth. It’s been a pretty long week since Nathan passed and I’m been waiting for that winner to pay him back.

Today’s win on The Offer was Berry’s first since Nathan passed away but won’t be his last with the Gai Waterhouse trained stayer cementing his spot at the top of the market order for next week’s Group 1 $1m Schweppes Sydney Cup (3200m) at Randwick.

The Offer ($2.5 favouirte) made it back to back wins after winning the Group 3 Ambassador Travel N E Manion Cup (2400m) at Rosehill on March 29 in similar style.

Berry had The Offer midfield before circling the field on the home turn to runaway y to score a two and quarter lengths win over Tremec ($17) and Hippopus ($8.50).

Second fancy Sertorius ($4) loomed up in the straight but couldn’t match it with the first three placegetters and wound up in fourth spot.

Today’s win has given Waterhouse plenty of confidence leading into next week’s Sydney Cup.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.