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Ian Baldinga respected horse racing trainer responsible for 1971 Derby winner Mill ReefDied at the age of 87. His death marked the end of an era in British horse racing, leaving behind a legacy of remarkable equestrian excellence and profound guidance.
Balding produced many top performers at his famous Kingsclere yard, including Group One winners Glint Of Gold, Selkirk and Lochsong. However, it was Mill Reef’s spectacular 1971 season, culminating in Derby glory, that propelled Balding to the pinnacle of his career, earning him the title of Champion Trainer that year.
His success was not limited to the Flat, he also tasted Cheltenham Festival glory, helping Crystal Spirit win the 1991 SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle in the same Paul Mellon colors as Mill Reef.
Balding’s influence extended beyond the track, shaping a powerful racing dynasty. He retired in 2002 and handed his training license to his son Andrew, who has since gone on to become a multiple Classics-winning trainer in his own right.
His daughter Clare also enjoyed a successful amateur riding career before transitioning to Critically acclaimed broadcast roles. The family’s sporting heritage runs deep, with his father Gerald a famous polo player and his late brother Toby an outstanding National Hunt coach with unique victories in Grand Nationals, Gold Cups and Champion Hurdles.
Kingsclere Yard paid a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, saying: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Ian Balding. He was a wonderful family man, a hugely successful racehorse trainer and an outstanding sportsman. He will be greatly missed by all at Park House.”
Among them was Derby-winning jockey Martin Dwyer, who began his career as an apprentice under Balding.
Dwyer described him as “a great man who was loved and respected by many”, adding: “It’s very sad, Ian was a great man. He loved sport and was a great rider and I owe Ian and his family a debt of gratitude for what they have done for me and so many other people, not just jockeys.”
Dwyer further elaborated on Balding’s profound influence on his life and career. “He helped a lot of people and their careers and I’m forever grateful that I was able to be a part of it,” he said. “He brought me in from a snot-nosed kid from Liverpool and molded me into the person I am today. I was a bit rough when I first came but he taught me a lot about riding, racing and life. I was only 16 when I first went there and he was a great man who was loved and respected by a lot of people.”
Looking back on their journey together, Dwyer concluded: “I was Ian’s apprentice and got him his first winners and we had a lot of success, which continued when Andrew took over. The Baldings were like a second family.
“I’m not sure if that will happen now because racing has changed and it’s so fast-paced, but Ian always had a lot of time for people. He was hugely successful at Kingsclere and then Andrew and his family took it over and made it even bigger. He leaves a great legacy.”