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By Mark Brassel

Saturday’s Day 1 of The Star Championships at Royal Randwick heralds a decade since the prestigious Nathan Berry Medal was introduced by Racing NSW.

Australia’s best jockeys – along with riders from Europe and Hong Kong – will be competing over the two days of The Star Championships for the prized Medal.

Nash Rawiller after winning the Queen Elizabeth Stakes on Think It Over. Image by Bradley Photographers

The Nathan Berry Medal, presented by his twin brother Tommy to the most successful jockey over the 12 races of The Star Championships, pays tribute to the former top jockey who passed away in early April 2014.

Nathan was 23 and had great success kicking home 351 winners with his biggest victory being on Unencumbered in the Magic Millions in January 2014.

The Nathan Berry Medal point score is determined on a 3-2-1 basis across the 10 Group races along with the Finals of the Country and Provincial-Midway Championships, with the winner announced at the completion of the final race of The Star Championships (Saturday 8 April).

The Nathan Berry Medal is unique as it features Nathan’s initials ‘NJB’ in the same font Nathan carried on his racing jodhpurs and is adorned by a light blue & dark blue ribbon – mirroring the colours he carried on Unencumbered.

Nash Rawiller snared last year’s Nathan Berry Medal with 10 points following his masterclass ride aboard Think It Over in the Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes. He edged out Brenton Avdulla (7 points) and James McDonald (6pts) with Tommy Berry and Craig Williams next on five points.

Latest TAB Market
$1.25 James McDONALD, $8 Zac PURTON, Hugh BOWMAN, $15 Kerrin McEVOY, Joao MOREIRA, $51 Brett PREBBLE, Damian LANE, Michael DEE, Brenton AVDULLA, Ben MELHAM.

Honour Roll
2022 - NASH RAWILLER
2021 - JAMES McDonald
2020 - GLEN BOSS
2019 - HUGH BOWMAN
2018 - BLAKE SHINN
2017 - HUGH BOWMAN
2016 - HUGH BOWMAN
2015 - HUGH BOWMAN
2014 - TOMMY BERRY/JAMES McDonald (tie)