Michael William Bass was born on the 2 of February 1945. He attended Wynberg Boys High School in the Cape and later Stellenbosch University where he received his Agricultural Technology Diploma. After a short travelling stint abroad Mike returned to open his first business, The Western Province Riding School in Muizenberg, it was here that Mike's love and passion for horses developed. Mike trained
a string of 35 horses, 15 of which took part in amateur racing at the Cape Hunt and Polo club on the flat and over hurdles. After 6 years at the WP Riding School he sold the business and left for Broadlands Stud Farm where he worked as the stud manager under the honourable Pat O'Neil for the following 2 years. With the invaluable experience already gained, in 1976 he took out his professional training license and began with a small string of horses in Sungari Lodge, Milnerton. Four years later Mike had his first grade 1 victory in the Clairwood Winter Handicap with the champion c**t Cracker Lilly. His career over the next 30 years has made him unquestionably one of South Africa's top trainers, with more than 100 grade victories and numerous achievement awards. Candice Robinson, Mike’s daughter, needs no introduction to the racing industry. Candice has been learning from Mike ever since she was born. After 20 years as an assistant trainer to her Father Mike Bass, Candice Robinson-Bass took over the reins as head trainer in August 2016. Candice is one of South Africa’s leading racing personalities and is often requested to sit on discussion panels for her knowledgeable expertise. Candice could be described as the control centre of Bass Racing and when she is not on the training track, you will find her on the showing grounds where she competes for Western Province.
