For the first time in more than two-and-a-half years, Tommy Berry will ride Territory Express, the gifted but quirky gelding part-owned by his mother, Julie, when the pair combine in Saturday’s $2 million The Ingham (1600m) at Randwick.

The 25-start veteran has long been a source of excitement for Berry’s family, with Julie continually campaigning to see her son aboard the horse.

“She has been trying to get me on him for a couple of preparations, so she is very excited,” Berry said.

A past winner of the Provincial-Midway Championships Final, Territory Express has often been let down by his manners in the barriers, though his behaviour has improved noticeably this campaign.

Under the care of family friend Paul Niceforo, the gelding produced a fast-finishing third in the Ladies’ Day Cup (1500m) at Hawkesbury and then closed off strongly again in The Gong (1600m) from a wide draw.

Berry hopes barrier nine offers an opportunity to conserve energy and deliver a performance that would mean a great deal to his family.

“Dad hasn’t trained for a while now, so to win one for the family would be nice,” he said.

“Mum has been a vet nurse for fifteen years and was an apprentice jockey before we came along. She has lived and breathed racing her entire life.

“At least the horse is jumping out now, which is a big help, and we know how good he can be. Hopefully we get the breaks.”

Berry, who last weekend captured the Group 3 George Moore Stakes (1200m) on Caballus, will ride in nine of Randwick’s ten events, including Fire Star in the Razor Sharp Handicap and Vatican in the Inglis Nursery.

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