Racing NSW stewards have officially charged jockey Tommy Berry following an investigation into evidence provided during an inquiry regarding his communications with disqualified trainer John O’Shea. The charges follow scrutiny over comments Berry made during a June 3 post-race interview at Warwick Farm, in which he acknowledged speaking with O’Shea and training partner Tom Charlton on the morning of the race.
Integrity inquiry details
The inquiry centers on rules prohibiting licensed participants from communicating with disqualified persons on matters related to racing. O’Shea is currently serving a four-month disqualification handed down after a confrontation with Racing NSW veterinarians. While both Berry and O’Shea have maintained that their conversations were restricted to welfare checks, stewards have been investigating whether these communications violated the terms of the trainer’s ban.
Current status
Despite the charges, Berry remains permitted to continue riding while the matter proceeds. A hearing date is yet to be set, and investigations into the O’Shea case are ongoing. There remains a possibility that O’Shea’s disqualification, which is scheduled to expire on July 17, could be extended depending on the findings of the continuing probe.