Back Yourself!
Sign-up and start betting with Ladbrokes in 2 minutes!
Back A Winner with Neds!
Sign-up and start betting with Neds in 2 minutes!
Daily Racing Specials!
Sign-up and bet with Australia's best new bookmaker!
#1 Ranked New Bookie
Sign-up and bet with Australia's #1 ranked new bookmaker!
Best Of The Best Odds!
Bet With Palmerbet and get Paid Top Fluc or Top Tote!
Massive Odds on All Races!
Sign-up and start betting with PlayUp in 2 minutes!
Imagine what you could be buying instead.
Set a deposit limit.
Search
 
Image: Bruno Cannatelli
Stephen Baster is calling it quits at the conclusion of the Melbourne Cup carnival

After a distinguished 28-year career in the saddle, Stephen Baster is calling it quits at the conclusion of the Melbourne Cup carnival.

Baster fronts up for his final last Victoria Derby meeting at Flemington on Saturday with three rides including Chief Ironside in the Group One Cantala Stakes (1600m), a race he won in 2006 aboard Divine Madonna.

A new career in real estate on the Mornington Peninsula beckons allowing Baster more time with his wife Melissa and young daughters.

“I could keep going for another five years but then I’m getting close to 50 and it’ll be harder to start a new career,” Baster told AAP.

“I’ve got the energy now to attack.”

Baster, chairman of the Victorian Jockeys’ Association, said the change of lifestyle was something he had been contemplating in recent years.

A Victorian government initiative provided the VJA with money to help jockeys transition into a new career when their riding days were over.

“That gave me a little insight and I got introduced to some real estate agents which piqued my interest,” Baster said.

“But then Gai (Waterhouse) and Adrian (Bott) came along and I had an amazing spring (2017).

“I stayed for three years, but now it’s time to give this a shot.”

In preparation for his new career, Baster undertook a number of courses, including on-line digital marketing and sales.

Baster has no regrets leaving racing, saying he has been surprised at his longevity.

He had two stints in Hong Kong, rode successfully in Singapore, Malaysia and Mauritius and was blessed having no weight problems.

“I wish nothing but success for my colleagues, peers, supporters and the racing industry,” Baster said.

“It has been an utter privilege to be part of Australian racing and I will always look back on my career with fondness and pride.”

Baster began riding in September 1991 and landed the first of his 14 Group One wins so far on Mookta in the 1993 Oakleigh Plate with his most recent aboard Pinot in the 2017 VRC Oaks.

 
*Existing customers only. 2nd Racing bet. Excl SA & WA. T’s & C’s apply. Gamble responsibly.
Imagine what you could be buying instead.
Set a deposit limit.
Featured News

FREE BETS – Claim $1000’s in Bonus Bets at the TOP Betting Sites

We take a look at the BIGGEST and BEST Free Daily Racing Offers and Betting Promotions from Australia’s leading online...

Golden Slipper Likely Field – 2024

The biggest two-year-old race of the year will jump this Saturday in arguably one of the best fields in recent...

Former trainer handed a five-year ban for pulling stewards pants down

Former trainer Todd Balfour has been handed a five-year disqualification by Racing SA stewards after a misconduct incident at the...

Melbourne Cup champion Verry Elleegant passes away

Verry Elleegant, one of the great mares in the history of Australian racing, has died while giving birth to her...

Watch 📺 Jockey banned from all racing premises over ride

Jockey Dylan Kitts has been penalised with a disciplinary officer exclusion directive due to non-compliance with an inquiry regarding his...

Group 1 winner returns positive swab

Racing Victoria stewards are investigating a positive swab from Group 1-winning mare Prowess, the racehorse trained by Roger James and...

Alligator Blood injured, career in doubt

Cult galloper Alligator Blood may have run his last race, with trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott confirming the star galloper had...

Nikita Beriman returns to the saddle

July 1, 2023 to January 26, 2024 … that period represents the just shy of seven months that Nikita Beriman...

Australia's Best Betting Sites

New Betting Sites Australia + Top List Bookmaker Apps $$$

Betting in Australia has never been more popular thanks to a large increase in new betting Agencies and Apps available...

Top 10 – Funniest Race Horse Names

Horse racing. Known as the ‘Sport Of Kings’, an industry worth billions, a very serious business…but to some, it’s a...

Best Horse Betting Sites in Australia

Best Horse Racing Betting Apps and Betting Sites – March 2024

We take a look at the best online betting apps to bet on horse racing in Australia for the month...

Golden Slipper

The Golden Slipper is one of the biggest and most prestigious horse races in Australia. Taking place each April at...

Australian Bookmaker Reviews – Online Bookie Ratings $$

Which bookmaker should you bet with? We Review each of the leading online Australian Bookmakers and rate them in order...

 
 
Imagine what you could be buying instead.
For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au