Jockey Tommy Berry and trainer Gai Waterhouse have combined for more Group One success at The Championships with The Offer storming to victory in the $1 million Sydney Cup at Randwick.
While Diamond Drille gave Berry and Waterhouse an unexpected win in the Queen Of The Turf Stakes, The Offer’s success was anticipated with the imported stayer saluting as the $3.30 favourite.
The Offer - Photo by Steve Hart
In a muddling-run race, The Offer raced in a midfield position before he crept into contention as the 17 runners swung for home.
He didn’t take long to assert his authority and he sprinted clear to beat Opinion ($26) and Sertorius ($8.50).
For Berry, grieving the death of his twin brother Nathan, he returned to emotional scenes in the mounting yard where he was embraced by his parents.
“I tell you what, the hardest thing is coming back here (to scale),” Berry said. (Nathan was) the first one to give me a cuddle but he’s not here to do that any more but I’m glad I’m making him proud.
“Every race I win for the rest of my life will be for Nathan.”
The Offer’s victory gave Waterhouse a Sydney Cup and Melbourne win in the same season with different horses.
She believes she has every reason to look ahead with optimism to the spring with The Offer.
“Look out Melbourne Cup. Here we come 2014,” Waterhouse said.
