By Craig Kerry
Jockey Tommy Berry was “very lucky” after escaping with a neck fracture following a fall at Randwick on Saturday.
Berry and Taree apprentice Teighan Worsnop fell in the last race near the 800-metre mark of the 1200m event.
Tommy Berry after winning on Political Debate on Saturday.Credit: Getty Images
Worsnop, riding at her first metropolitan meeting, fell first after her mount, Shihab, clipped heels with the horse in front.
Berry was travelling on their inside aboard Step Aside, which was then crowded, dislodging the jockey and breaking through the running rail.
Worsnop was treated then later walked into the jockeys’ room and was found to have only mild concussion symptoms.
Berry, who was conscious immediately after the fall and able to move his arms and legs, was taken to hospital by ambulance. Racing NSW said on Sunday morning Berry had a cervical spine fracture that would be assessed by the neurosurgeon.
“It is hopeful it can be treated just in a neck brace, but he is awaiting their assessment,” the update read. “He will hopefully be discharged home today.”
Berry’s wife, Sharnee, earlier posted on Instagram: “He is overall very lucky. Has a break in his neck, waiting on shoulder scans. In pain but overall OK. Could have been much worse.”
A stewards’ inquiry into the fall was adjourned. Chris Waller-trained Step Aside was found to have a laceration to its near hind inner thigh and was treated on course. Glen Milligan-trained Shihab appeared uninjured.
Berry, a 34-time group 1 winner, could miss at least part of the Sydney autumn carnival.
The three-time Golden Slipper winner, who turned 34 last week, appeared set to ride Michael Freedman-trained Pallaton in the $5 million feature for two-year-olds on March 22.
He also rode another contender, O’ Ole, to victory for Bjorn Baker in the $3 million Magic Millions Classic on the Gold Coast on January 17.
On that day, jockeys Blake Spriggs and Beany Panya were involved in a horror fall at Moruya.
Spriggs sustained multiple fractures, brain bleeds and major internal injuries. He remained intubated in Canberra Hospital.
His sister, Dimitee, provided an update on Sunday: “Blake remains in a stable condition in the ICU however he is currently fighting an ongoing infection. Despite this challenge, doctors remain positive about his progress as he is making small but steady steps forward in his recovery.”
Panya, who had surgery on two fractured vertebrae, remained stable and awaiting transfer to Sydney Hospital on Saturday.
