Australian-based jockey Nathan Berry died Thursday in a Sydney hospital less
than two weeks after being diagnosed with Norse Syndrome. He was 23.
Berry and his twin brother Tommy began their riding careers as apprentices to
their father Kevin, a trainer at Warwick Farm, and both quickly rose to the top
of the riding ranks. Berry recorded 351 wins in his career, his most important
victory coming aboard Unencumbered in the A$2 million Magic Million Two-Year-Old
Classic in January. Unencumbered runs in Saturday’s Group 1 Golden Slipper under
jockey Craig Williams.
Berry leaves behind his wife Whitney Berry, daughter of jockey Glyn
Schofield, whom he married February 2.
Berry had recently begun a four-month riding contract in Singapore when he
collapsed at trackwork at Kranji Racecourse March 18. He was later diagnosed
with Norse Syndrome, an acute form of epilepsy. He suffered several seizures
before being placed in an induced coma last week in a Singapore hospital. He was
flown to Sydney Thursday morning.
“The entire racing industry is extremely distraught with the news of Nathan’s
passing,” Racing New South Wales’ Chief Executive Peter V’landys said. “Sadness
is not a sufficient word to describe this tragedy. We are all very distressed
and could not imagine the grief the family must be going through.
“This was a young man that had the world at his feet. He won the Magic
Millions in January and rose to the top of the ranks so quickly that he was
offered a contract to ride in Singapore.”
“You would not meet a family more grounded and genuine than the Berry family.
They are the most diligent and hard-working people I know.
“Our sincere condolences go out to the Berry and Schofield families and
Nathan’s wife Whitney.”
Australian Racing Board Chairman John Messara added: “A great sense of loss
has overtaken Australian racing with the passing of Nathan Berry. It is an
unspeakable sadness for his wife Whitney, twin brother Tommy, loving parents and
family. We know there are no words which can ease their pain, other than hope
that they can draw comfort from knowing that so many others share in their
grief.
“Nathan Berry was a respected and talented rider who had earned his success
through dedication and hard work,” Messara continued. “He was an outstanding
talent. Nathan was a decent and principled young man respected by all. The
Australian Racing Board, on behalf of the entire Australian racing industry,
extends it sincerest condolences to the Berry family on the loss of Nathan.”
Yu Pang Fey, President and Chief Executive of the Singapore Turf Club, said:
“On behalf of the Singapore Turf Club, I wish to extend our deepest
sympathy and condolences to the Berry family as well as the Schofield family on
their loss.”
As a mark of respect for Berry, all jockeys riding at Kranji Friday will wear
black armbands.
Twin brother Tommy Berry led the tributes that poured forth on Twitter:
“Nathan your passing has left a hole in my heart that can never be replaced. I
will love you and miss you till the day I join you in heaven,” he posted on
@TommyBerry21.
Nathan’s father-in-law, Glyn Schofield (@SchofieldGlyn),
said: “The man we love so much and will miss even more. Losing you cuts so deep
buddy. R.I.P.”
Inglis (@inglis_sales):
“From everyone at @inglis_sales our deepest sympathies to the family of Nathan
Berry. Rest In Peace.”
Magic Millions (@mmsnippets):
“A memory we’ll treasure for the years to come. RIP Nathan Berry. Deepest
sympathies to the Berry & Schofield families.”
Trainer Lee Freedman (@freedman_lee):
“Incredible sadness at Nathan’s passing. One of the best young guys I’ve ever
met. Berrys and Schofields families, our despair immeasurable.”
Moody Racing (@MoodyRacing):
“We pass our deepest condolences to @TommyBerry21, Whitney Berry & the close
family & friends of Nathan Berry a terrible loss.”
Trainer Gary Portelli (@GaryPortelli)
: “Heaven unfortunately received a very special gift today. We lost a special mate. RIP little man. U left ur mark on us all.”
Jockey Glen Boss (@boss_glen):
“I feel very numb with the passing of Nathan. RIP. Tommy your family and the
Schofields. I’m so sorry for your loss.”
Jockey Kerrin McEvoy (@KPMcEvoy):
“Gone too young, a ripping young guy #NathanBerry RIP we will all miss you
mate.”
Jockey Brenton Avdulla (@brentonavdulla):
“RIP Nathan Berry. Taken away from us way too soon! Gone but will never be
forgotten! Till we meet again next time mate…”
Shane Anderson (@Globalgallop):
“Fittingly, Nathan Berry’s last race ride was a winner – Shin Goong in Singapore
on March 16.”
David Raphael (@racingraphael):
“In such a short time @NathanBerry91 made a lasting impression to so many. Such
a big loss and so close to home for us all #toosoon.”
Blake Ryan (@blakeryan86):
“No matter where you are around the country on Saturday, don the Royal Blue for
Nath. It was his colour. Wear it and wear it
proud.”