Champion South African trainer Mike Bass is gravely ill and has been placed into an induced coma as a result of severe pneumonia.

The nine time champion Western Cape trainer took ill at the Cape Awards ceremony on August 7 and his condition has continued to worsen after he was diagnosed with flu.

He was rushed to hospital on August 12 when his condition deteriorated. An examination revealed that he had developed severe pneumonia and he was admitted to intensive care.

He later went into septic shock and remains in a serious condition after he was placed in an induced coma.

Bass is one of South Africa’s great trainers.

His record includes three Durban July winners (Trademark 2001, Dunford 2005 and Pocket Power 2008) and five J & B Met wins (Bunter Barlow 2001, Pocket Power 2007/2008/2009 and River Jetez 2010).

He has won the Western Cape Trainer's Championship nine times since 1976.