Top jockey Tommy Berry was forced to hand over his phone while a family member’s bank records have been audited as Racing NSW investigators examine WhatsApp messages to probe links between jockeys and professional punters.
Group 1-winning jockey Berry has been dragged into an ongoing investigation involving three country-based hoops – Kayla Nisbet, Jack Martin and Jordan Mallyon – and whether they have had improper dealings with big gamblers.
It prompted investigators to image Berry’s phone in September and ask his mother Julie to hand over bank statements as they escalate their probe, which is examining whether jockeys have taken benefits from punters who have profited from their rides.
The Australian rules of racing forbid any jockey from accepting a gift or cash payment from any person other than a horse’s owner, commonly referred to as “a sling”. They can only do so from another person with the permission of stewards.
According to sources familiar with the situation, investigators are examining the links between the NSW- and Canberra-based riders and professional punter Jacob Hoffmann, known as “The Bear”.
Racing Victoria stewards have assisted their NSW counterparts with the inquiry given Hoffmann, a registered owner, is based in Victoria.
Top jockey Tommy Berry rode another winner at a soaked Royal Randwick on Saturday.Credit:Getty
Of particular interest are group exchanges on WhatsApp, which investigators are believed to have accessed as part of their search. Nisbet, Martin and Mallyon had their phones seized last month before investigators later asked Berry to provide his own device to help with their inquiries.
There is no suggestion Tommy Berry, Julie Berry, Nisbet, Martin or Mallyon have engaged in any wrongdoing or broken any Australian racing rule.
Berry declined to comment on the investigation on Sunday, while Nisbet, Martin and Mallyon did not return calls from the Herald.
Racing NSW’s chief steward Marc Van Gestel would not comment on the situation.
Tommy Berry celebrates on No Compromise after winning The Metropolitan.Credit:Getty
The investigation has been one of Van Gestel’s last points of business before he ends his long tenure as head of integrity in NSW to pursue an opportunity with the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Berry is the highest-profile hoop caught up in the investigation and is the brother-in-law of Nisbet, who has ridden more than 500 winners predominantly in the southern districts and south-east areas of the state in the last decade.
Berry rode his 27th Australian group 1 winner when No Compromise won The Metropolitan at Royal Randwick this month.
He has elected to ride in Melbourne on Caulfield Cup day instead of staying in Sydney for the $15 million The Everest, the world’s richest turf race, in which he didn’t have a ride.
Berry will pilot Annabel Neasham’s Numerian in the Caulfield Cup and has told Art Cadeau’s trainer Terry Robinson he won’t be able to ride the defending champion in The Kosciuszko at Royal Randwick on Saturday. Damian Lane will take the ride on Art Cadeau.
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