Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
DONALD's Debra French was delighted to receive a visit from star Sydney jockey Tommy Berry on Monday.
The multiple group 1-winning hoop enjoyed a stopover in the Mallee during a break in his busy Spring Carnival schedule.
Berry's sister, Sam Spencer, lives across the road from the French family.
"I was so excited," Mrs French said.
"I've met a lot of jockeys and some of them are a bit stuck up, but he's just lovely.
"He rides for Gai Waterhouse and gets the pick of her horses - he's a celebrity to us."
Berry said he and partner Sharnee Nisbet were happy to pay his sister's neighbours a visit.
"A few people have come over to say hello," he said.
"There's a big racing following here and they've said they watch me all the time.
"Apparently they're quite excited to meet me, which is nice."
Berry said he enjoyed visiting Donald.
"I've only been here a couple of times, but it's a beautiful place," he said.
"Because I spend so much time in the city, it's good to get out into the country. The people are so down to earth. I love it here."
Berry made the most of his rare visit to country Victoria, claiming the Seymour Cup en route to Donald.
He piloted Bel Thor to victory in the $150,000 feature for Mornington trainer Wez Hunter.
Berry was back in Melbourne on Tuesday morning for the Cox Plate Breakfast with the Best at Moonee Valley.
He will ride Underwood Stakes winner Foreteller for Chris Waller in Australia's richest weight-for-age race on Saturday.
Horsham hoop Dean Yendall has also scored a ride in the $3-million race aboard the Waterhouse-trained Wandjina.
Berry also has his eyes on Australian racing's biggest prize - the Melbourne Cup.
He will ride The Offer for Waterhouse in the race that stops the nation.
"I think he's going really well," Berry said.
"He's had a few hard tracks and he drew wide in the Caulfield Cup, but I love the way he hit the line in the last 200 metres.
"The two miles of the Melbourne Cup is going to suit him quite well."