Ian Balding, renowned in the racing world for his association with the iconic Mill Reef, passed away at 87 years old.
A prominent figure in racing, Balding, who was the father of broadcaster Clare Balding, saw his son Andrew successfully take over the operations at the family’s well-known Kingsclere stables near Newbury.
Balding commenced his training career in 1964, catering to notable clients such as Queen Elizabeth and American magnate Paul Mellon. He gained recognition with the Mellons’ prized horse, Mill Reef, a distinguished two-year-old that achieved a remarkable feat by winning prestigious races like the Derby, Eclipse, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, propelling Balding to the title of champion trainer in 1971.
Among the standout horses in the Mellon silks were Glint Of Gold and Forest Flower, the latter being a champion two-year-old that clinched the Irish 1,000 Guineas at three. Additionally, Balding trained the top-class sprinter Lochsong.
Retiring in 2002 with an impressive record of 1,755 British winners, Balding passed on the training license to his son Andrew, who has since become a successful multiple Classic-winning trainer. Clare Balding, his daughter, also made a mark in the racing world as a leading amateur rider before transitioning to a highly acclaimed broadcasting career.
The news of Ian Balding’s passing was shared on Instagram by the yard, expressing deep sorrow and recognizing him as a remarkable family man, successful racehorse trainer, and outstanding sportsman, dearly missed by all at Park House.
Tributes poured in following the sad news, with Match of the Day presenter Gabby Logan sending her condolences to the family.
Born into a family with a rich sporting legacy, Balding’s father, Gerald, excelled as a polo player in the 1920s and ’30s, while his brother Toby, a prominent trainer primarily of National Hunt horses, achieved notable success, including wins in the Grand National, Gold Cup, and Champion Hurdle.
Notably, Ian Balding celebrated success at the Cheltenham Festival as a trainer, notably guiding the 1991 SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle victor, Crystal Spirit, sporting the Paul Mellon colors synonymous with Mill Reef.
It was Mill Reef’s triumphant campaign in 1971 that thrust Balding into the limelight, leading him to secure the champion trainer title for the only time in his career.
Known for mentoring aspiring riders, Balding played a pivotal role in the career of subsequent Derby winner Martin Dwyer, who fondly remembered him as a great man, respected and beloved by many for his guidance and support.
Acknowledged for his welcoming and supportive nature, Balding and his family were regarded as a second family by many, with Ian’s dedication and success at Kingsclere leaving a lasting legacy carried forward by Andrew and his family.
Former jockey Natalia Gemelova expressed her condolences, recalling Balding’s kindness during her work experience, while jockey turned trainer Adrian Nicholls remembered him as a true gentleman, even to the most inexperienced individuals in the field.