Candice Bass-Robinson ironically set an emotional new professional benchmark on Saturday, the very day that saw the sad passing of the family operation’s multiple champion SA Horse Of The Year, Pocket Power.
Pocket Power died of a suspected heart attack on Saturday morning at Hemel ‘n Aarde Stud.
But rather than mourning the day, Saturday 31 July became a tribute to the magical memories of the golden moments on the racetrack as the team provided the fireworks to celebrate a record unparalleled by any racehorse here in the 21st century.
Candice took over the reins from her legendary Dad Mike in 2017, the same season that she became the first female trainer to saddle a Vodacom Durban July winner.
Candice Bass-Robinson produced a powerful surge on the last day of the term (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
Bernard Fayd’herbe rode topweight Marinaresco to win the 2200m flagship race in the same pink, white and blue finery worn by Pocket Power.
Ironically, but not surprisingly, it was the very same Shirtliff pink, white and blue that was worn by Candice’ 100th winner Mr Cobbs, who won the second race at Kenilworth on Saturday.
Mr Cobbs (Anthony Andrews) brings up the century as Skidoo (Craig Bantam) chases hard (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
The day also marked Candice’ maiden five-timer too, with Master Of Power rounding off the dazzling day – you guessed it, in the same Shirtliff silks!
Now 46 years old, the Mom of one told the Sporting Post that special thanks should go to Melissa Arnold and her team at Milnerton, and to Trevor Brown and the Bass Racing team in KZN, who saddled their only Gr1 winner when Zarina flashed up to win the Garden Province Stakes on July day.
Candice ended up 6th on the national log (5th if we include restricted races), second on the Cape log and ninth on the East Cape log.
