Tommy Berry will take over riding duties for promising colt Gallo Nero in the BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) after original jockey Tyler Schiller was ruled out with injury.
Schiller sustained a fractured vertebrae in a fall before the opening race at Canterbury on Wednesday. The incident occurred as he was dismounted near the mounting yard, landing hard on his back. After medical assessment by paramedics on course, he was transported to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
Subsequent scans revealed a fracture to his T8 vertebra, ruling him out of racing for a minimum of six weeks. He later confirmed the diagnosis via social media, posting: “Fractured T8, out for six weeks.”
Schiller had been booked to ride several key mounts at Eagle Farm on Saturday, including early favourite Gallo Nero, who currently tops the market at $4.40 with leading betting apps.
In light of Schiller’s withdrawal, Hawkes Racing announced that Berry will now pilot Gallo Nero in the Group 2 event. He also picks up the ride aboard Payline in the Group 1 Kingsford Smith Cup (1300m) on the same card.
The injury setback sidelines Schiller for the duration of the Brisbane winter carnival, with his earliest return to the saddle anticipated in mid-July. Fellow jockey Blake Shinn will also miss the remainder of the Queensland campaign due to a foot injury.
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