Bunter Barlow edges Trademark out of the 2001 J&B Met
After forty years of saddling winners, Mike Bass hands over the reins to his daughter Candice on Sunday evening. The Sporting Post canvassed a few of those whose lives he has touched.
River Jetez – 2010 Met winner
Marsh Shirtliff – leading owner
It has been a great honour and true privilege for me to be associated and having had horses conditioned by the master of horsemen Mike Bass over the past 15 years.
The champion Pocket Power
Pippa Mickleburgh – Avontuur Stud
Mike is a true master of picking a yearling. He would never buy a horse he never liked. So one could never make him like it – he had to! I love to chat to him and he has a great knowledge from stud work to racing. A true friend!
Mick Goss
Mick Goss – Summerhill Stud
I’ve met some professionals from around the world in my time. Mike is up there among the elite, both as a pro and a human-being. Hopefully we’ll see more of him and Carol now that they have time on their hands.
Rodney Dunn – Honorary Life Vice-President Western Province Racing
Mike Bass – a super guy and a great trainer. A family man with a great family. Mike served with me for over 20 years on the WPOTA committee and was a Trustee with me on our WPOTA Benevolent Trust Fund. We honoured Mike a few years ago on Kenilworth’s WP ‘Honour the Greats Programme’ for his outstanding training feats and highlighting the magnificent performances of the great Pocket Power and many other champions he had created.
What A Winter – champion sprinter
Tarquin Norval – NHA:Stipendiary Steward
Mike is not only a respected horseman but a gentleman. It has been my privilege to have known him long before he became involved in the professional side of racehorse training. He has been associated with a steady stream of champion horses over the years and won more than his share of the top races in South Africa. Knowing Mike he will enjoy a busy retirement and continue to advise the stable and enjoy their success.
Nico Kritsiotis
Nico Kritsiotis – Betting World
My overriding memory of Mike Bass was 2007 J & B Met day. I had the honour of racing in the Bass box on the day and they had 5 winners including 2 Gr1’s. My brother quipped to me just before the last race “This has been a Bass kind of day!” Legendary trainer and a fine gentleman.
Tex Lerena : Jockey Association South Africa – JASA
Mike Bass -The Clint Eastwood of South African Racing! Not much said but plenty of Oscar’s won – a Jockey’s dream, as staunch as they come from the days of jockey Paddy McGivern. Thank you for your contribution to S A Racing – may the Bass Legacy continue with Candice and Mark – all the best to Mike & Carol.
Robert Bloomberg – Kenilworth Racing
Gandalf gave me my greatest moment in racing with July winner Dunford and for which I will always be eternally grateful.
Dunford wins the 2005 Vodacom Durban July
Justin Vermaak – Greenstreet Bloodstock
A truly world-class trainer with a godlike record. A true racing legend.
Vee Moodley – Phumelela
The man gave us the POWER to believe in Champions although our POCKET never saw the benefit.Passion!
Dave Mollett
Dave Mollett – Journalist
As he’s a keen golfer, perhaps there is a parallel between the careers of Mike Bass and top American golfer, Phil Mickelson. Over the years, both have always been competitive in the ‘majors’ with Mike’s tally being eight (five Mets and three Julys). Also both have never made excuses for any failures – very rare when you’re in the sporting spotlight. Mike also had his own Frankel in Pocket Power – it doesn’t get better than that.
David Safi – Formgrids
I landed some huge betting coups based solely on form study trusting very few yards. Mike Bass was one of the few. A master trainer who always gave the punters a full go. One could back his horses with confidence. A true credit to his profession.
Graeme Hawkins
Graeme Hawkins – Gold Circle
An uncomplicated, quiet but hugely talented and professional trainer who let his horses do the talking.
Andrew Bon – Television Producer
Michael William Bass is without doubt in the top three finest human beings, I have ever had the privilege of knowing. Kind, astute, clever and ever the gentleman. A supreme horseman.
Rouvaun Smit – Commentator
One of the true greats of the modern era. Mike enjoy your retirement and best wishes on your new chapter in life.
Kevin Shea
Kevin Shea – Champion Jockey
What a great man to ride for and a world class trainer, father, husband and friend. He will never be forgotten in racing – a true legend.
Gary Grant – Equine Group
Mike has left an indelible memory for our industry, and we wish him a long, peaceful and happy retirement.
Derek Brugman
Derek Brugman – Mayfair Speculators
A Genteman, fierce competitor, horseman, sport’s lover and fantastic human being. A true legend.
John Koster – Klawervlei Stud
Mike Bass – famous for his “buy the ballerina a drink”. A great travelling mate and one helluva gentleman. He is a legend!
