Ian Balding, the renowned racehorse trainer who guided the legendary Mill Reef to Derby and Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe glory in 1971, has died at the age of 87. His family announced the news on Friday via the Instagram page for Park House Stables, describing him as 'a wonderful family man, a hugely successful racehorse trainer and a brilliant sportsman'.
Balding took over the historic yard near Kingsclere, Berkshire, in 1964 at the age of 26 after the death of his father-in-law, Peter Hastings-Bass. He quickly made his mark, with Royal Ascot winners in his first two seasons. However, it was the emergence of Mill Reef as a leading two-year-old in 1969 that propelled him into the Flat-racing elite.
Mill Reef's three-year-old campaign in 1971 was extraordinary: after finishing second to Brigadier Gerard in the 2,000 Guineas, he won the Derby, Eclipse Stakes, King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes, and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Balding ended the season as champion trainer, and Mill Reef became only the second Derby winner to also capture the Arc in the same year.
Balding later trained other top-class horses, including Glint Of Gold, Selkirk, and the brilliant sprinter Lochsong, who won the Nunthorpe Stakes and Prix de l'Abbaye. He was also a principal trainer for Queen Elizabeth II. His daughter, Clare Balding, a former amateur jockey turned broadcaster, paid tribute, saying: 'My Dad was one of a kind. Fearless, funny and charming... He taught me to be brave enough to chase a dream.'
