A ‘POSTER boy’ jockey has been banned for more than a year for his role in a shocking tips-for-cash scandal.
A high-profile punter was alleged to have sent Berry’s mum £8,500 after he made more than £50,000 following tips from the jockey.
GettyBerry is known as the ‘poster boy’ of Australian racing but his year-long ban has shocked the sport Down Under[/caption]
Racing chiefs said Berry ‘accepting this consideration’ – essentially taking the money or agreeing to take the money – was a breach of rules.
Berry, 41, pleaded not guilty to four charges relating to receiving a consideration and actions prejudicial to the image of racing but was found guilty.
The jockey, who has won more than 30 Group 1 races and once rode for the late Queen, has vowed to clear his name.
Investigators in Australia claimed to have found payments from punter Zach Miller to Berry’s mum, Julie.
They also alleged that Julie rented a house from her son and that the money was used to do work on the property.
Evidence prevented in the trial alleged Berry had supplied his mother’s bank details to Miller and asked his mum if money had arrived.
Most read in Horse Racing
She replied by text saying: “I’m rich.”
Berry has been found guilty of two charges that include ‘accepting or agreeing to accept a consideration’.
He also pleaded guilty to the charge of having a mobile phone in the jockeys’ room, according to 7 News.
Text messages between Miller and high-roller punter Miller were leaked online last year.
They appeared to include details about two of the jockey’s rides.
Both men denied any wrongdoing by sending the messages.
Berry, who has more than 1,400 career winners, will not be allowed to race again until 2024.
Speaking before the punishment was handed out, Berry admitted the pressure of the case and social media trolling had taken its toll.
He said: “It was getting to me before I took some time off from riding last month.
“When I had that break I got back to knowing why I ride and why I love what I do.”