Already grieving the loss of his twin brother Nathan, Australian jockey Tommy Berry said the sudden death of popular trainer and close family friend Guy Walter this week was the tipping point in deciding to forgo a full-time riding contract in Hong Kong next season.
Berry is just over one month into a three-month licence, which runs to the end of this season and that he intends to fulfill.
But he was also expected to take up a full-time position next term - arrangements that had been made before the death of Nathan from Norse Syndrome nearly two months ago.
Berry said he had already been weighing up a return to be with family in Sydney, and when Walter died suddenly on Thursday from a heart attack at the age of 59 in Sydney, the jockey's mind was made up.
"Mum and dad are good friends of Guy's and we grew up at Warwick Farm where he trained. It was tough on mum and dad because we are still so raw after the loss of Nathan," Berry said.
"Family comes first for me. I just have to go home and be with my family for another season, and look after my mum, dad and sister."
Berry rides favourite Designs On Rome for John Moore in tomorrow's Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup and won the Singapore Airlines International Cup for the trainer on Dan Excel last week.
He said he consulted closely with Moore before making the decision and he intended to return for a full-time stint in the 2015-16 season.
"I had already spoken to John here and my boss back home, Gai Waterhouse, but the sad news about Guy just confirmed what I felt anyway.
"It was my intention to stay next season, but since the passing of Nathan things have got a little bit harder for family.
"The Jockey Club didn't expect to see me come back for the end of the season, but I am happy that by the time the season ends I will have been able to fulfill my engagements."
Director of racing Bill Nader said the club "appreciate and understand the circumstances surrounding Tommy's decision".
"Tommy is a young man who has achieved a lot in a short space of time here. His credentials speak for themselves and we welcome an application from him in the future, when the time is right."
Meanwhile, a decision will be made this morning on whether jockey Matthew Chadwick will ride tomorrow. Chadwick fell heavily at Happy Valley on Wednesday night.
