More than two-and-a-half years on, everything has finally fallen into place for Tommy Berry to ride Territory Express, a horse part-owned by his mother, Julie.

The talented but unpredictable gelding lines up for his 25th start in the $2 million The Ingham (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday, with Berry partnering him for the first time — much to his mother’s delight.

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

Winner of the 2024 Provincial-Midway Championships Final, Territory Express has overcome previous barrier issues and has jumped cleanly in both starts this preparation.

Trained by family friend Paul Niceforo, he resumed with a strong third in the Ladies’ Day Cup before making late ground from a wide barrier in The Gong (1600m).

Drawn gate nine this weekend, Berry is hoping for a smoother passage and the chance to deliver a special win for his family.

“Dad obviously 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 she was an apprentice jockey… She has lived and breathed it since she left school at seventeen.

“At least the horse is jumping out now, so that’s a good start, and we know how good he is on his day.”

Berry rides in nine of the 10 races at Randwick, including Fire Star in the Razor Sharp Handicap and Vatican in the Inglis Nursery.