In a quiet, cordoned-off area was a humble jockey giving pointers to his interns.
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Sydney star jockey Tommy Berry made a special appearance at the Moruya Cup on Thursday, January 14.
He was the talk of the track among the Moruya Jockey Club's barrier boys, many referring to him as a "top bloke".
Not often does the small rural club see such talent.
It had been years since Berry was on the Moruya track, racing the late Bede Murray's horses.
"We had a lot of luck here over a few years each cup day," Berry said.
It was a blast from the past for Berry, who was enjoying his time at Moruya.
"There's a lot of people around, who I grew up riding with as an apprentice, who I don't get to ride around very often any more.
"I get to catch up with them."
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However, due to COVID, the jockey area was segregated. Berry was alone in the members area.
"It's a bit ordinary ... usually I would be with them all downstairs."
He said Moruya had great camaraderie.
"It's a different sort of crowd; it's laid back and has a real country feel," he said.
"It's a nice cruisy day out."
And cruisy it was for the jockey as he calmly excused himself from the conversation to grab his gear and head to the stables. It was only minutes until he was due in the barriers.
He suggested more time to finish the chat once back from the 2010m race.
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Berry was staying at Batemans Bay, meeting his wife Sharnee's family who drove from Canberra.
Sharnee's sister, jockey Kayla Nisbet, was also riding, so it was the perfect place for the family to meet.
"We hadn't been able to see them before Christmas because of COVID and not being able to cross the border," Berry said.
"This was a spot where we were all allowed to be in the one place at the same time. Why not have a ride?"
Trainers Natalie Jarvis and the Price's agreed.