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Tommy's tribute to Nathan highlights the importance of family

After taking out the 2013 Slipper, Overreach has been plagued by injuries. (Photo: Paul Barkley/LookPro)
Roar Guru
31st March, 2014
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Like many racing enthusiasts, I was willing Tommy Berry on during Saturday’s racing at Rosehill while also hoping for some positive news about his ill brother Nathan, another promising young jockey.

All eyes were on Tommy, who regained top position in the Sydney Jockeys Premiership by posting his 50th win from 288 starts this season. There wouldn’t have been many dry eyes on the track following his victory to win the Manion Cup on The Offer in the first race of the card.

“He’s the strongest person I’ve ever met and he’d want me to come back today and be just as strong for him,” Berry said after the race, his voice wavering. “Love you Nath.”

It was a simple and fitting tribute from Tommy Berry to his twin brother and best mate. Nathan is still in an induced coma in Singapore after being diagnosed with Norse Syndrome, a serious illness which causes severe seizures.

Tommy Berry doesn’t often show much emotion while riding, but he fist-pumped the air as he sailed past the post on Saturday. You could tell how much he wanted the win.

An emotional Berry admitted that it was a tough decision to leave his brother’s side, but he knew deep down it’s what Nathan would’ve wanted.

Despite the challenges he has faced, the level-headed rider said he could do his job “in his sleep”, even telling trainer Gai Waterhouse the horse had almost taken care of business on his own.

The situation for Nathan Berry is an unfortunate one, but it highlights that anything can happen to anyone at anytime. Tommy’s tribute to his brother this week highlights the importance of family in our life, and that sometimes we should take some time out of our day to appreciate those around us.

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So take some time out today to tell the ones around you that you love them – even if it is for a moment – as you never know when your last opportunity may be.

I’ll leave you with a picture Tommy Berry tweeted this week, which is an emotional tribute to all his followers and supporters, and one which highlights the strength of the Berry brother’s bond.

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