Mike Bass is seriously ill in a Cape Town hospital where he is in an induced coma.

What was first diagnosed as ‘flu – he began to feel unwell at the Cape Racing & Breeding Awards Dinner ten days ago – developed into severe pneumonia and he was rushed to hospital by ambulance early last Wednesday. He was put into intensive care.

However his condition worsened during the day and he went into septic shock. The doctors put him into an induced coma.

A statement on the Mike Bass Racing website said: “At this stage the prognosis remains serious. The family and medical team are taking things hour by hour.”

Son Mark told the Sporting Post: “We are in such awe and are overwhelmed by the support from friends, family and the entire racing industry who have really come together in trying to keep us so positive through this difficult time. He is so loved. We would like to thank everyone for their amazing support.”

A spokesperson for the family said yesterday: “At the moment all that we can tell you is that Mike is still in a very critical condition but he is fighting hard and the family will try to put out something more detailed when they have more information.”

Bass, 70, has won the Durban July three times and the J & B Met five times during his near 40-year training career with four of those victories coming from the legendary Pocket Power.

By Michael Clower  

Picture: Mike Bass (Nkosi Hlophe)