SEAN CORMACK'S FUTURE IN LIMBO

Jockey Sean Cormack is currently riding on a wing and a prayer as he awaits news from the Department of Immigration which will decide his future in Australia.

The news will come in two parts.

Firstly, a decision is due soon with regard to Cormack’s application to extend his work permit for three months.

The South African rider originally relocated to Queensland in mid-year to be stable rider for Bruce McLachlan at the Sunshine Coast.

If that application gets a positive result, it will take Cormack safely through to December, which is around about the time when he hopes the bigger issue, his application for permanent residency in Australia, might be decided.

“It is difficult,” said Cormack. “In fact it sometimes it can be a huge distraction because the uncertainty obviously also impacts on my wife and family.

“All I can do is try to go about my business as if I have got permanent residence ... as if my future is here,” continued Cormack. “That way at least I stay focussed.

“I’m trying to build something from scratch even though, as it stands now, I don’t know if I be allowed to ride here next month, or even if I can ride then, whether I will be granted permanent resident status to further my career here next year.

“So it is a bit of a long haul,” continued Cormack, “but I am committed to making it here and will do everything I can to help the decision come down in my favour.”

Cormack left a great deal behind in South Africa in search of a better life for his young family – not least, a hard-earned place near the top of his profession in that country.

“I was flying there career-wise,” acknowledged Cormack, “and I would be lying if I said it was an easy decision to leave.

“I had second thoughts a few times realising that I would have to prove myself all over again, but once the decision was made to seek a better life in Australia, that was it.

“My focus is only on one outcome. That is to pursue my career here.”

Some have suggested that Cormack find a sponsor in racing, which would allow him to stay in Australia long-term, but that option is not currently available as the Department of Immigration will only consider one application at a time, and Cormack’s application for permanent residence has already been lodged and is under consideration.

But while it might all be about the wait, Cormack does not believe in wasting time.

While these important matters have been hanging over Cormack’s head, the rider has stayed focussed and gone about establishing his credentials on various fronts.

Cormack’s solid work ethic and his friendly manner helped him clear his first hurdle – that of finding acceptance within the local racing fraternity - with ease.

“It’s been easy fitting in and understanding what is required of you in terms of the training systems and work riding aspects,” explained Cormack.

“There are systems and routines in place which are easy to follow.

“It’s been a steeper learning curve in terms of settling into race riding,” continued Cormack, which is entirely understandable having changed countries.

“The riding styles, the race tempo, getting to know Bruce’s horses, beyond that knowing which trainers work their horses hard so you can ask them to stretch out, knowing which trainers are softer on their horses so you know when to back off, just learning about the cushion track where I ride a lot of work – all of these things are part of a learning process.

“Any decent jockey will make the adjustments that are needed, but that process isn’t completed overnight.”

Every win, such as his success on Release Me in a pressurised finish at Eagle Farm on Saturday, is a prize for Cormack as it elevates his profile, even if just for those fifteen minutes of fame, and also provides him the satisfaction that there is some reward for all of his hard work.

His predicament is one which would leave a lesser man down in spirits, but Cormack has never bemoaned the fact that one of the biggest decisions that will affect his life, is entirely out of his hands.

“I’ve had help in getting this far,” noted Cormack.

“The support from my wife and family goes without saying, but I also have to mention Glynn Schofield (a fellow South African jockey riding in Sydney). He has been so helpful.

“I actually can’t tell you how good he has been to me, how much he has helped me.”

Irrespective of who is standing behind him, Cormack has already proved his own mental toughness.

His riding record in South Africa underlines what a force he might become if allowed a free rein.

With jockey numbers declining in Australia in recent years, it is to be hoped that the official at the Department of Immigration who has the file marked S.Cormack, in the spirit of giving everyone who deserves it a fair go, is able to read form well enough to pick a winner and approve Cormack’s application for permanent residency.

Until then, the future of this hard-working rider remains in limbo.