About

Stephen Baster’s first winner was Great Alley Traralgon in 1991 the same year he had his first ride when Steve Brown and Lindsay Hatch trained the young jockey from Brisbane to victory. Sparking his love for horses, Baster is not only recognized for his photo finishes on the track but off as well. A talented photographer, ‘The Smiling Assassin’ or ‘Smiley’ as Baster is regularly referred to, has been surrounded by controversy following his unexplained ban from The Singapore Turf Club with a one-sentence termination. With is his welcomed return to Australian racing, Baster made an immediate impact winning the Australian Guineas on Ferlax and the Australian Cup on Super Cool. Dedicated jockey Baster is also an avid triathlon competitor, but it’s his achievements on the saddle that keeps him smiling, as he regards running 3rd in the Melbourne Cup on Mahler for Aiden O'Brien one of his biggest thrills.