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Gary Carson

Gary Carson

John Berry junior off the mark on Shack

Sun 27th Oct 2019, 15:07

Caddy Shack with John Berry senior and junior Caddy Shack with John Berry senior and junior
© Photo Healy Racing

It was a red letter day for John Berry junior at Wexford this afternoon as he partnered his first winner aboard Caddy Shack trained by his father.

John Berry senior, a former champion in point-to-points, provided his son with a breakthrough success in the Casey Concrete Gorey Handicap Hurdle.

The Arcadio mare was produced to lead over the second last by the 7lb claimer and went on before the final flight.

She stormed away on the run-in to record an eight length success in the three-mile contest.

The winning rider said afterwards:- “That's brilliant. She's been consistent enough the last few times she's run.

“We originally thought she wanted soft ground but over the summer her form came alive on good ground so we a bit worried today on that ground whether she's stay out the trip.

“Her mother was a good stayer and she seems to have picked up that attribute as well.

“I don't remember much of my dad riding, I'm too young but there are plenty of trophies in the house.

“I actually wear his racing boots so I'm literally filling his boots, although I have a long way to go before I can do that.

“He's given me an awful lot of opportunities and I think today was my 89th ride so I've had plenty of experience over the last few seasons and it's great to finally get my head in front.

“I'm in my final year of college, studying international business in Maynooth.”

About Gary Carson
Gary started out as a trainee/assistant journalist with the Sporting Life newspaper and has worked in the racing industry for over 25 years. He has been with the Press Association since 2013 and won the Irish Field Nap Table in 2016. He enjoys working with horses and trained his own horse, Mamaslittlestar, to win a point-to-point in 2019.