DYNAMIC Dane Ben Basso admitted “the best feeling is winning” during his time at Pirates – even if it did land him in hot water with his girlfriend!

The talented rider, parachuted into Poole’s septet mid-season following the departure of Zane Keleher, was meant to be on holiday in Tenerife with his partner this week.

But after Pirates’ campaign got pushed back into November due to postponements, Basso was set to jet out later after picking up the SGB Championship title, to go with the Knockout Cup.

Put to him he had a very tolerant girlfriend after Pirates’ 96-84 aggregate victory over Glasgow, Basso said: “She was not happy and we had a big argument! I had to go out and get a present and some earrings and stuff for her.

“I told her from the beginning, speedway is first priority, no matter what. It’s hard but that’s what it is.”

Asked how long he had been together with his girlfriend, Basso replied: “Three-and-a-half years now but she’s still getting mad at me! I told her ‘yeah I am going to make the holidays and all that’.

“Suddenly the meetings are getting cancelled and she’s not happy again but she knows it. Speedway first.

“If the meeting got cancelled and moved to next week – that’s it, no vacation for me.

“The best feeling is winning and I am just glad I have a chance to be a champion and go on vacation!”

Basso totalled 9+1 from five rides at reserve for Pirates, as they overhauled a 10-point deficit against the Tigers to win 56-34 on the night.

He added: “I cannot explain the feeling I am having right now. It’s been so awesome coming to England this year.

“My first season over here and two trophies. I couldn’t ask for more.

“All the fans around the club, my team-mates, my support – my mum and dad came over to watch me race – it has been wonderful.”