Jockey Stephen Baster retires on winning note at Sandown

Jockey Stephen Baster received a standing ovation from the crowd after capping his 28-year career with a Group 3 victory in the Sandown Stakes. However, the win came at a price.

Jockey Stephen Baster rides Gold Fields to victory in the Sandown Stakes. Picture: AAP

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Stephen Baster had to call on all of the strength and skill honed over his 28-year career to go out of racing a winner when his final ride, Gold Fields, held on to win the Sandown Stakes.

Baster returned to a standing ovation from the Sandown crowd after he narrowly won from Mr Exclusive. He said with 200m to go he thought Gold Fields was beaten and also on the line, he wasn’t sure whether he would get the photo.

A fairytale finish for Stephen Baster.

Gold Fields takes out the Sandown Stakes in the last ride of Baster's career. 💥 pic.twitter.com/VoT5OHiAXs

— Racing.com (@Racing) November 16, 2019

Baster had to push hard to get Gold Fields to win and he was later fined $1000 by Racing Victoria stewards for striking the galloper six times, one more than allowed before the final 100m, and also for using 19 strikes in total.

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Stephen Baster was all smiles after winning his final ride as a jockey on Gold Fields at Sandown. Picture: AAP

Baster admitted to stewards that it was his last ride and he got a bit excited. He was pleased to just be riding a horse he had had a good association with as his final ride.

“He was always going to be my last winner as I hadn’t ridden a winner since scoring on him in the Sale Cup,” Baster said.

A big ovation for Stephen Baster as he comes back to scale a winner for the last time. pic.twitter.com/anqyJ2mhOm

— Racing.com (@Racing) November 16, 2019

“It’s a fairytale, really. I didn’t imagine him winning to tell the truth. I was just happy that he was going to be my last ride with the Mark Riley and Logan McGill connection. I also had a ride for Gai Waterhouse, so it’s been a great day.

“It was lovely. I don’t think I’ve seen as many people at Sandown before. It was brilliant.

“I wasn’t sure on the line whether I’d won.”

Stephen Baster got the best out of Gold Fields in a tight finish in the Sandown Stakes. Picture: AAP

The 12-time Group 1-winning jockey will start his new career as a real estate agent for McEwings at Mornington.

He said Gold Fields’ win ranked as one of the highlights of his career, alongside his Oakleigh Plate win on Mookta, Mackinnon Stakes triumph on Awesome Rock and VRC Oaks victory on Pinot.

Originally published as Jockey Stephen Baster retires on winning note at Sandown