Episode 160: Stephen Baster

We catch up with Stephen Baster whose infectious smile has been a part of Victorian racing for almost thirty years.  The popular jockey explains his decision to quit the saddle recently for a new career in real estate. Steve talks of the fairy tale ending when he won a Group 3 race at his very last ride. He reveals that he’s been thinking of a career change for some time. Steve looks back on his first apprenticeship with Mark Riley who put him on a Group 1 winner as a 3KG claiming apprentice. He talks of his lucky run in the famous sprint races the Oakleigh Plate and Newmarket. He pays tribute to the grand mare Divine Madonna and talks  of his early association with Gai Waterhouse. Stephen reflects on his Melbourne Cup rides and the thrill of a third placing for Aidan O’Brien. He makes special mention of Awesome Rock, Pinot and the horse he says was the best he ever rode the brilliant Lion Hunter. He said the grey stallion was robbed of Group 1 glory by a career ending injury. Steve talks of his marriage to jockey Melissa Walters the mother of his adored daughters Izzy and Penny. The former jockey talks of his obsession with fitness, his love of the triathlon and his surprise appearance on Ninja Warrior. Punters loved smiling Stephen Baster and I’m sure they’ll enjoy his post retirement podcast.