Written by Paul Vettise
The final chapter of Group 1 winning jockey Stephen Baster’s career had the happiest of endings at Sandown where he guided Gold Fields (Churchill Downs) to victory in his final ride.
Baster gave the in-form 7-year-old, for whom an overseas trip now beckons, a dream ride in the G3 Sandown S. and the gelding responded for an emotion-charged victory.
“If it didn’t happen today he would still have been my last winner as I won the Sale Cup on him,” said Baster, who is also the Victorian Jockeys’ Association Chairman.
“It’s hard to believe really. I’m going to miss all the jockeys and the horses and it’s been a great career and what a way to finish.
“I love racing and I’ll always be coming back to watch and be part of it in some way.
“I love racing and I’ll always be coming back to watch and be part of it in some way.” – Stephen Baster
"I leave the racing industry feeling nothing but gratitude. I will forever be grateful to the amazing people who have supported me throughout my career."
Baster also had a helping hand from G1 Melbourne Cup winning jockey Craig Williams on his final day of action.
“I thought I’d better wear a leading jockey’s boots and see if I could ride a winner,” he said. “Mine had champagne in them so I threw them out to dry and forgot to put them back in my race bag.
“I’ll be having a quiet dinner out and then look forward to starting my new career in real estate on Monday.”
“I’ll be having a quiet dinner out and then look forward to starting my new career in real estate on Monday.” – Stephen Baster
Baster, 44, rode 14 Group 1 winners during his career, the last of them aboard the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Pinot (Pierro) in the 2017 VRC Oaks.
Gold Fields is trained by long-time friend Logan McGill, who like, Baster was apprenticed to Mark Riley.
“It was a special moment when Stephen rode my first city winner and to do this is the icing on the cake, it’s fantastic,” McGill said.
Gold Fields, is trained by Logan McGill
“The horse was left a little bit flat-footed when they first sprinted and I was a bit worried, but he was really strong through the line. It’s a fantastic result.
“We were asked to go over to Dubai and we’ll definitely concentrate on that now. That’s in about eight weeks so we’ll look at something for in between.”
