"I'd love to be a racehorse" – An exclusive Interview with Jockey Corentin Berge

Since this season, Corentin Berge has been working as stable jockey for trainer Carmen Bocskai at Hanover. After a successful spell in France, where he achieved over 80 wins, the young Frenchman is now excited to continue developing his career in Germany. Although he’s still waiting for his first win of the year in Germany, Berge remains confident. GaloppDaily caught up with the talented jockey to talk about his expectations and goals for the new season.

GaloppDaily: "Corentin, welcome to Germany! You've already achieved notable success in France. What motivated you to make the move to Hanover and join Carmen Bocskai's stable?"

Corentin Berge: "Moving to Germany is a great opportunity for me. France offered me many chances, especially through Holger Faust, who provided me with rides in several Group and listed races. These experiences showed me that Germany also has a lot of potential for me, especially with the challenging races and strong competition.

A few months ago, Carmen Bocskai and Alicia Baum contacted me and invited me to visit their training facilities. After seeing everything in person, we decided to start working together. It was an easy decision – the facilities here are excellent, and I immediately felt welcome in the team. It’s a fantastic chance for me to grow and gain new experiences."

Berge rode PIROUZ (Counterattack) several times for Darius Racing, including a fourth-place finish in the G3 Premio del Piazzale at Milan in 2023. He also partnered GHORGAN (Study Of Man) to third place in the G2 Coolmore St. Mark's Basilica German 2000 Guineas and repeated that placing in the G3 104th Grand Prix of Düsseldorf aboard SEE HECTOR (Counterattack). Holger Faust managed all three horses.

Corentin Berge came flying late aboard GHORGAN in the G2 German 2000 Guineas

GaloppDaily: "How did you first get into racing?"

Berge: "I was introduced to racing very early. My mother worked as a work rider in training yards long before I was born. She would take me to the racecourse as a child, and I was instantly hooked.

The world of horses, speed, and excitement fascinated me from the beginning. From then on, it was clear: I wanted to be part of it. That’s how everything started – and today I’m grateful to have found my path in racing."

GaloppDaily: "At just 24 years old, you're one of the youngest jockeys on the German circuit. What would you say are your strengths – and what makes a truly good jockey in your opinion?"

Berge: "A good jockey needs a lot of skills – that’s clear to me. You have to develop a fine feel for the horses, have a good sense of pace during the race, and always be ready to adapt to new situations. No race is ever the same.

Personally, I think my respect for the horses is one of my strengths. I constantly think about how to do right by them – both in races and in daily training. I truly believe horses give back what you invest in them. That’s my philosophy, and so far, it’s served me well."

GaloppDaily: "What has been your greatest success so far?"

Berge: "Definitely my double victory in Hanover in August 2024. First, I won the BBAG auction race with TANAMI STARLET (Best Solution), and later that day I also took the listed race with KAMMURI DIAMOND (Nathaniel). Winning two important races on the same day was something very special for me.

That day meant a lot to me – both professionally and personally. It showed me that hard work pays off. And it felt like a breakthrough because I realized that people here started trusting me more. Those moments motivate me to keep pushing and improving.

Of course, I also had great success in France during my time as an apprentice, with over 80 wins in just two years – something I could hardly have imagined at the start. Working with top trainers and horses helped me grow a lot. But that day in Hanover proved I can succeed at a high level here too."

KAMMURI DIAMOND won the Preis von Volkswagen Automobile Hannover easily under Berge

GaloppDaily: "In Hanover, you currently have around 30 horses in training – including some exciting prospects. Is there a particular horse you’re especially excited about?"

Berge: "At the moment, apart from DIYA (Dubawi) and ATLANTICA (Mastercraftsman), who have already proven themselves as top mares, I really like QUE BELLA (Mastercraftsman). She made a very nice debut at Hoppegarten last week.

We're also looking forward to DAMARSO’s (Maxios) first run, which should be next week at Hanover."

Damarso is a four-year-old own-brother to Gestüt Brümmerhof’s G1 German Oaks winner DIAMANTA. Diya, on the other hand, is Diamanta’s daughter and already won a listed race last year. She could make her seasonal debut on May 1st at Hanover.

GaloppDaily: "What goals have you set yourself for this season?"

Berge: "Of course, I hope to be associated with good horses and achieve success in important races. That’s my goal – not just for this year, but for my entire career.

I want to establish myself as a reliable and strong jockey in Germany. But I know that to do that, I need the opportunity to ride good horses – and then deliver strong performances. I'm ready to prove myself."

GaloppDaily: "You’ve ridden at most of the major tracks in France and Germany. Do you have a favorite racecourse?"

Berge: "In France, I particularly like Saint-Cloud. It’s very technical and, for me, one of the most tactical tracks around. Only those who get everything right win there – and I love that challenge.

In Germany, I have a real soft spot for Hanover. It’s a fair, well-maintained track, and I immediately felt comfortable riding there. Now, living and riding regularly here feels like the perfect fit for me."

GaloppDaily: "You know the French racing scene very well. How is German racing perceived in France – and what differences do you notice?"

Berge: "In France, German racing is taken very seriously – especially when it comes to breeding and classic races. Germany has a strong reputation.

The races here are often faster than in France, where the tempo tends to build more tactically and often only accelerates late. I find that really interesting because it presents a completely different challenge for riders. You have to be adaptable – and that’s exactly what makes it exciting for me."

GaloppDaily: "What do you like to do on your days off – more sofa and relaxation or out and about?"

Berge: "On my days off, I love cycling. It keeps me fit physically – and it's great for mental health too."

GaloppDaily: "Finally: How do you see the future of horse racing – and what would you wish for?"

Berge: "I really hope that racing will be around for a long time. But I also think we need to keep evolving – especially when it comes to the horses’ lives beyond the races. It would be great if there were even more opportunities for regular turnout or small paddocks.

Still, I’m convinced: if I were a horse, I would want to be a racehorse – because we truly care for them. The horses are always the focus, and that’s what matters most to me."

Corentin Berge will be riding MON SCHATZI (Shamalgan) for trainer Marian Falk Weissmeier this Sunday in the G3 Grosser Preis der Krefelder Wohnstätten - Dr. Busch Memorial at Krefeld.

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