Dubai: Australian jockey Tommy Berry won an emotional victory in the Singapore Airlines International Cup (G1) at Kranji racecourse on Sunday, when recording a richly deserved triumph aboard Hong Kong raider Dan Excel.
Berry’s twin brother and fellow jockey Nathan, who was based in Singapore, died last month after contacting Norse syndrome, an acute medical condition related to epilepsy.
Berry, 23, broke down in the winner’s enclosure shortly after recording one of the biggest wins of his career, which he dedicated to his brother.
Runner-up to Military Attack in the $3 million (Dh8.8m) contest 12 months ago, the six-year-old son of Godolphin’s Shamardal broke the track record for 2,000 metres as he crossed the line in a time of 1 min 59.07 sec to outclass a high-quality international field. The previous best mark of 1:59.20 was set by 2010 Dubai World Cup (G1) winner Gloria de Campeao in 2009.
French hope Smoking Gun was second under Stephane Pasquier, while Military Attack finished third for Joao Moreira.
Limario, trained by former UAE champion Doug Watson in Dubai, was eighth of 12 after running a strong race for the early part of the trip.
Berry, who had teamed up with leading Hong Kong handler John Moore to win the Audemars Piquet QE II Cup (G1) and Hong Kong Derby (G1) with Designs On Rome earlier this year, struggled to control his emotions when asked how much this victory meant to him.
“[It’s] very emotional. Just before we could get into the staring stalls a butterfly was flying around me and when my horse went into the gate he followed us,” Berry said on television. “It’s probably Nathan, he’s always with me at moments like these.
“This is possibly one of the most special wins of my career and I’ll never forget it. I really enjoy racing over here in Singapore and moments like these make it even more special.
“I’ve watched the horse for a long time and I’ve always wanted to get on his back. And, when I finally did, this is what happened.”
Moore, who saddled Sterling City to win the Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1) at Meydan in March, said: “I think the gate made the difference and it was a fine ride from Tommy.
“To see him win like that, it was a bit of a replica of Military Attack last year. This horse has been the underdog for so many big races and today he excelled.
“Me and Tommy are becoming quite a team.”
Earlier, former Dubai Sheema Classic (G1) third Lucky Nine comfortably defended his title in the Group 1 KrisFlyer International Sprint to give Hong Kong raiders a clean sweep of the big races at Singapore’s richest race meeting.
