It is one of the defining features that separates those at the highest level of excellence from the rest … that is the ability to self-analyse in a critical but highly constructive manner.
Star rider Tommy Berry gave a shining of example of that trait when, just moments after he had achieved a momentous personal milestone of riding one hundred Sydney metropolitan winners in a season, Berry’s response was more thoughtful than triumphant.
“It’s been a long season chasing James (McDonald) for the Premiership,” said Berry.
“I really wanted to reach my hundred. I thought to do that you really have to be consistent all year around.
“That is something I have struggled with in the past … being consistent.
“In the past, I sort of got on good runs and then, whether it was through my own fault where I haven’t been switched on enough or just not getting the results I feel I can get, I didn’t have that consistency … but I’ve been switched on this year.
“I have really focussed on it. I feel like I have been in a great frame of mind all season. I’ve had great support from more trainers than I ever have … it’s been great.”
In that chase for the Premiership, Berry’s four-timer on Saturday brought him to within nine winners of Premiership leader James McDonald, who has been spending his weekends riding at the Queensland Carnival in recent weeks.
It is a chase from which there will be no let-up in the final run-in to season’s end.
“I think James has brought out the best in me this season. He is an incredible rider and someone I enjoy riding against,” said Berry … just as racegoers enjoy watching these two top riders go head-to-head.
It could still come down to a battle royal over the next seven-and-a-half weeks!
