Berry charged over evidence provided in O’Shea inquiry

Jockey Tommy Berry has been charged by Racing NSW stewards, who allege he provided misleading evidence as part of an inquiry into communications with disqualified Sydney trainer John O’Shea.

Racing NSW confirmed on Wednesday that Berry had been charged following an investigation into comments he made during a post-race interview at Warwick Farm on June 3. A hearing date is yet to be set.

The charge stems from an ongoing inquiry into communications between Berry and O’Shea, who is currently serving a four-month disqualification following a confrontation with Racing NSW veterinarians after his horse, Bev’s Nine, was scratched from a Sydney race earlier this year.

Licensed participants are prohibited from communicating with disqualified persons about matters relating to racing during the period of a ban, unless authorised by Racing NSW.

Berry told Sky Racing in a post-race interview that he had spoken with O’Shea and his training partner, Tom Charlton, on race morning before riding Hovland to victory at Warwick Farm.

The inquiry examined a series of communications between Berry and O’Shea, with both the trainer and the jockey maintaining their conversations were limited to the trainer’s welfare.

Racing NSW stewards subsequently investigated whether any of the communications breached the conditions of O’Shea’s disqualification.

Berry remains free to ride while the matter proceeds before stewards. Any penalty would only be determined if the charge is proven.

Investigations relating to the O’Shea matter and communications during his disqualification are continuing, with the possibility O’Shea’s four-month ban, due to expire on July 17, could be extended.