36 year-old jockey Corne Orffer has come a long way since being an energetic teenager in Newcastle,KZN, cavorting around on bicycles with his mates and showing precocious talent for balanced, horseback riding. He’s just enjoyed a career best 2016/17 season with 69 winners, including a Grade 1 on Captain America in the Rising Sun, two Merchants victories on Search Party, plus piloting juveniles Al Mariarchi and Bold Respect to lucrative juvenile scores.
Asked about factors that have contributed to the uptick in his career, Orffer replied, “I’ve always had self-belief, but the faith that Brett Crawford has shown in me, has helped too. I really feel that I’ve grown in stature as a big race jockey.” Tactically, the Cape based rider has expanded his repertoire – in the past he would nearly always settle his mounts and conserve them for a late run. “ I’ve become more aggressive, not in a dangerous or malicious way, but at placing horses better, especially from bad draws.”
Whilst he has not felt the need to change any technical aspects of his riding style, he is constantly striving to up his game. ‘You’re always learning in racing and after the season, Brett pointed out areas where I could improve – that supportive feedback helps tremendously.” The duo, who reunited three years ago after a previous spell together a decade back, have proved a potent combination with a workable division of labour. “Brett does his job which is to get the horses to the races fit and well, and whilst he makes suggestions how best to ride them, I am given free rein to show some initiative.”
Orffer has made important personal lifestyle changes befitting a professional sportsman in the prime of his earning span. This fun-loving character may fondly recall wild nightlife escapades when carousing in clubs, yet has toned down those excesses. “My wife Lindsey provides 100% support and has created a sanctuary at home. We’ve got a six year old son, Lucca, and I just feel stronger and more grounded than before.”
The Crawford stable raked in six Grade 1’s last season and though it’s probably unrealistic to sustain such a strike rate at the top level, Orffer forsees a bright future. Multiple Grade 1 winner Captain America is still going strong at seven, with contemporary, Sail South one of the few horses that can pace it out with him; Woolavington victress, Lady of the House has made eye-catching physical progress early at four and her male counterpart, the Derby and Daily News hero Edict of Nantes will be primed for further Stakes success.
In addition to these high profile runners, Orffer revealed, ‘I’m really excited about the Cape Summer. Search Party is a very good sprinter and Bold Respect is a special horse that we may try stretch out to a mile. Undercover Agent is another top sort – once the penny drops, he’s potentially in the class of Edict of Nantes and should develop into a Guineas or Derby contender.”
Orffer is an upbeat personality, preferring to focus on the positives. As such, he is optimistic about the state of racing, especially in the Cape. He believes it was a smart move to upgrade the Durbanville turf course, though he cautioned against overuse until the grass has knitted properly. He also mentioned the strength of the Western Cape breeding industry and is full of praise for the quality of local thoroughbreds and their trainers. By way of justification he stated, “We cleaned up at the National Awards in nearly all categories!”
He also senses opportunity further afield, especially with Crawford Racing now establishing a satellite yard at Summerveld, which also opens up possibilities for raiding the Highveld. Internationally accomplished, Peter Muscutt will take care of the Durban string – Orffer commented on how well they “gelled” during that exceptional Winter past.
One of Orffer’s goals is to surpass 100 winners for the season. Last year he had 522 rides at a respectable 13% strike rate – not enough to notch a century, though. But, he should be much busier under the new arrangement and can conceivably “raise his bat” if things pan out. Orffer paid special credit to well-primed agent Rob Champion, who handles his bookings, and will cannily maximise prospects around the country. The ebullient hoop is eager to travel as much as possible, and cannot be faulted for dedication – with stalwart assistant trainer Barry Donnelly, himself not averse to putting in the hours, summing it up, “Corne’s work ethic makes him successful.”