TOMMY Berry described as “special” his win on Sunday in the Singapore Airlines International Cup, but it had little to do with Dan Excel establishing a track record in his victory.

For Berry the win was all about savoring the memory of his brother Nathan who was riding in Singapore when he fell ill with a disease that would tragically claim his life.

“It’s a very important win, very emotional,” Berry said. “Obviously this was the last place Nathan was before he passed and he really enjoyed the racing here.”

Berry noted that a “beautiful big butterfly” landed near his feet in the mounting yard before he mounted Dan Excel and what appeared to be the same butterfly was flying around in the starting gates.

It was a sign, Berry said, that Nathan’s spirit was very much with him before the Group 1.

“It is probably one of the most special wins of my career, I’ll never forget it,” Berry said.

“I have to thank everyone in Singapore, they were great for Nathan when he was here and he enjoyed his time here.

“I know one thing - he will never be forgotten. I’m glad I can carry Nathan on my shoulder wherever I go.”

For John Moore it was his second successive win in the International Cup after he prepared Military Attack to win last year.

Dan Excel, second behind his stablemate last year, staked his revenge thanks to lovely ride from Berry who put his mount to sleep behind tearaway Japanese horse Tokei Halo.

Berry eased to the outside on the home turn and although Tokei Halo put up a temporary fight it was obvious that Dan Excel had his measure and there was nothing emerging with any great steam from the ruck of the field.

Dan Excel, a $7 chance, scored by one and three-quarter lengths from Smoking Sun, $12, with one and a half lengths to Military Attack, the $1.90 favourite.

The six-year-old clocked 1:59.07 for the 2000 metres, which clipped 0.16 seconds from the existing mark held by Gloria De Campeao in 2009.

Moore praised Berry for gifting Dan Excel a beautiful run in transit.

“It was a great ride from Tommy and we are really hitting our straps now as a team,” Moore said.

“To see Dan Excel win like that it was a bit of a replica of what Military Attack did last year. This horse has been the underdog in so many big races, but tonight he excelled.” (racingnetwork)