DOUBLE BASS

DAVID Bass might have been in a band had he not been a jockey – but Kim Bailey’s man surely made the right decision, based on the strength of his book of rides at the Cheltenham Festival this week.

- NICK ROBSON

Bass and Bailey are racing’s odd couple. At differing ends of the political spectrum they may be, but Bass’ forward-going style in the saddle seems to suit Bailey’s horses, and this year their partnership is flourishing.

With a Grade One in the bank thanks to “winning machine” First Flow in the Clarence House, they have four realistic chances at the Festival.

It could all have been so different, though, for Bass – whose musical tastes may not meet with the weighing room’s universal approval.

“I was probably more of a ‘pop punk rocker’, ” said Bass (left).

“Our band weren’t modelling ourselves on the Sex Pistols or the Clash, anyone like that – we were more modern-day pop/ punk, like Green Day. As I got older I got into more of the punk from the 70s.

“I was a drummer. I was average. I didn’t practise enough – but if I wasn’t a jockey I could possibly have been a musician. I loved playing live.”