Brother’s memory lives on

RACING TOMMY Berry maintains that the closest he feels to his late twin brother, Nathan, is when he is on horseback.

This made the fifth anniversary of Nathan’s passing just a little easier for him yesterday, when he spent most of the day doing what the brothers enjoyed most – race riding.

Berry, who rode at the Randwick Kensington meeting, said it was a day of reflection for him and his family.

“I enjoy talking about Nathan and enjoy talking about his life,’’ Tommy Berry said.

“The times when it is tough to talk about him is (today), our birthday, Christmas … because the memories come flooding back.

“But it upsets me more seeing Mum and Dad, it’s a very tough day for them.

“I feel like I can deal with it but it hurts me more seeing them in pain. Having kids myself now, I can understand why it is so hard for Mum and Dad.’’

Nathan Berry, the older of the twins, died from Norse syndrome, an acute condition related to epilepsy, on April 3, 2014.

Just two days later, a grieving Tommy Berry found the inner strength to ride at the Golden Slipper meeting.

It was a remarkable act of courage and selflessness but Berry conceded he felt more comfortable doing his “job” that day.

“In the six months after (Nathan died) was some of my best riding,’’ Tommy Berry said. “The closest I feel to Nathan is when I’m on horseback.

To commemorate Nathan’s memory, Racing NSW chief executive Peter V’landys introduced the Nathan Berry Medal to be awarded to the leading jockey at The Championships each year.