This Mumbai-born ex-jockey has assumed numerous roles within the horse racing industry and can currently be located on the sixth floor at Woodbine, observing training sessions.
Daniel Bast, overwhelmed by his journey from Mumbai to the prominent Canadian horse racing hub, pauses in the middle of his sentence.
Gazing at the expansive view of Woodbine Racetrack, encompassing the E.P. Taylor turf, inner turf, and all-weather courses, the 42-year-old Bast reflects on his remarkable trajectory.
“I never thought that my life would turn out as it has… I am grateful for where I am.”
The road leading to the sixth floor at Woodbine has been arduous, marked by occasional upheavals.
Growing up in Mumbai, India, Bast faced circumstances that compelled him to reside with his grandparents during his early years, a necessity rather than a choice. While Bast possessed a strong passion for sports, he encountered difficulties in the academic realm. Recalling his educational journey, he admitted that his studies were progressively deteriorating. Although he excelled in sports, academics posed a formidable challenge for Bast and often took a backseat to his athletic pursuits.
Reflecting on his teenage years, Bast confessed that he faced academic difficulties during his time in school. Yet, his unwavering love for sports remained intact, serving as a constant source of excitement. Bast's competitive spirit allowed him to outperform them and maintain an edge in the competition.
Embracing a Fresh Chance
When a friend's father suggested that Bast consider a career as a jockey, the idea intrigued him, but with one condition – no more studying. His interest in race riding solidified after attending a race in Mumbai. Witnessing the horses speeding by and hearing the enthusiastic cheers of the crowd, Bast made up his mind and decided to give it a try.
An opportunity arose for Bast to enrol in a 10-day riding course, where he learned the fundamentals of riding, including jogging, trotting, and cantering. He completed the course and obtained his certificate. Encouraged by this experience, he turned his focus to a local jockey school.
In May 1997, the jockey school opened its doors to five apprentices out of 350 applicants, and Bast was fortunate enough to be one of the chosen few. Unlike many others, he had no background in horse racing, but his proficiency in English gave him an advantage. Under the guidance of a strict instructor who tolerated no disobedience, Bast excelled during his two-year tenure at the school. It was a rigorous period, but he gained not only riding skills but also valuable lessons in independent living, shaping his identity and clarifying his aspirations.
Still, Bast felt a sense of regret for not acquiring a comprehensive understanding of horses. Nevertheless, he resolved to establish himself as a competent rider before delving deeper into horsemanship. In May 1999, upon completing his training, the racing club in Mumbai assigned him a trainer. Bast worked for a trainer with a small operation and learned a great deal from the experience. In his first year, he had the opportunity to represent India in the Invitational Apprentice Jockey's Challenge, an international competition in Macau in 2000. This event proved to be an eye-opening experience for Bast, as it was his first time venturing outside of India.
Although the journey was exciting, he still felt a sense of disorientation. Without an agent to provide guidance, he had to seek answers to his questions on his own. Bast participated in two races in Macau and then returned to India, eager to continue his career.
Shifting Direction
Bast achieved some success at his local racetrack, coming in second place as the leading apprentice for two consecutive years. However, after two years, he realised that the competition for riding opportunities would likely decrease, meaning fewer chances for him to ride. The next group of riders from his jockey school would soon arrive at the racetrack.
In his third year, Bast was under contract with a trainer whose husband was a member of the racing club's steward team. Unfortunately, working for a small stable with only 16 to 20 horses didn't produce the desired results for Bast. His business had almost completely dried up.
“I wasn’t winning very much, and I knew I had to make a change. It is that feeling of hitting rock bottom – you don’t know where you are going to go, what the future will be, and what life will look like. I was worried,” noted Daniel.
Bast began searching for opportunities elsewhere. Through his connections in Mumbai, he learned about a position as an exercise rider in Newmarket, England. The offer was too tempting to turn down.
Bast's time in England didn't start well.
At times, he faced racist remarks. He recollected, “It was tough because I was one of the first Indian people to be an exercise rider. There was some racism, but you pay no mind to those people.” Over time, Bast formed lifelong friendships. Spending time with experienced exercise riders in the stable expanded his knowledge of the horse racing industry, although not necessarily about the animals themselves.
Bast's personal life outside the training and racing tracks was fulfilling.
Notwithstanding, he struggled to secure race-riding opportunities.
Eventually, he felt stuck. He still wanted to participate in races, but it was challenging there. He had the privilege of travelling to racetracks throughout England and Scotland, so overall, it was a nice experience in his words. But he wasn't satisfied.
A conversation with a friend in India led to a decision to fly to Dubai. Bast found employment with American trainer Jeff Frasier, Jr., in the United Arab Emirates.
"I ended up living about 35 minutes away from Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE. It was also a wonderful experience. I won three races there, which was a big highlight in my career," Daniel highlighted.