QUEEN OF THE COURSE: CANDICE BASS ROBINSON

Whilst many assistant trainers are female, there are very few who have gone so far as to take out a training license in their personal capacity. Candice Robinson was born into a racing family, with her dad, Mike Bass, having trained for over 45 years with great success over the course of his career. She joined the stable full time over 15 years ago and officially “took the reins” from her father 3 years ago when he retired. 

At what age did you start riding and in what disciplines? 

I started riding at about 5 years of age, but only started competing when I was in Juniors – in both show jumping and some showing. I only started doing dressage on my warmblood about 5 years ago. 

 Tell us a little about Bass Racing? 

We operate out of the training centre in Milnerton in Cape Town and currently have about 130 horses in training and employ about 48 grooms. I have a great team behind me of which without them none of this would be possible and a very loyal base of clients. My family are all involved in the business – my father still comes in most days which is great, he is my role model and still a great shoulder top lean on.    

Horse racing has long been considered a “male dominated sport” – how has your experience been as a female trainer in the industry? 

It is a very competitive industry to be involved in and is very much male-dominated but I don’t feel any less capable than any of the men out there to do the job. I have a great understanding of horses and am confident in what I do. There are definitely more woman trainers coming through and being successful, which is nice to see. I think generally a lot of our industry’s owners are male and perhaps prefer to have a male trainer especially from a social aspect, but I have wonderful clients. 

Which is the best racehorse you’ve had the privilege of training? 

There are a few favourites who come to mind! Marinaresco who I won the Vodacom Durban July with 2 years ago and Nightingale who gave me my first grade 1 winner as a trainer. Dutch Philip, Horizon and recently Clouds Unfold who won the Grade 1 Majorca stakes on Met day for Drakenstein Stud are also very special to me. 

Is there one race (local or internationally) that is on your bucket list to win as a trainer? 

I have a few races I would like to win but “The One” would have to be the Grade 1 Sun Met, thereafter perhaps the Colts Guineas. 

What are your ambitions for your dressage career? 

I would love to get to Grand Prix level 

Do you have any advice for girls looking to make a career within the horse racing industry? 

It is a very tough industry to get into especially if you are starting from base level. There are not a lot of opportunities within the industry so perhaps maybe looking into the veterinary or physio side is a good idea. An assistant trainer is also an option but there are not that many opportunities available. You need to be very passionate about horses or racing to make it work.  

 Photo Credits: Chase Liebenberg