Ian Balding, one of British horse racing’s most respected and successful trainers, has died at the age of 87, his family confirmed on Friday.
Balding was best known for training the legendary racehorse Mill Reef, who became one of the greatest thoroughbreds in history after winning the Epsom Derby and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in the same season in 1971. Over a career spanning several decades, Balding also trained numerous top-class horses and played a major role in shaping modern British racing.
In a statement shared on the Park House Stables social media page, the family said:
“We are saddened to announce that Ian Balding has passed away.” He was a devoted family man, a brilliant trainer, and a true sportsman. He will be greatly missed by everyone at Park House.”
A Historic Training Career
Ian Balding took over the training licence at Park House Stables near Kingsclere, Berkshire, in 1964 at just 26 years old, following the death of his father-in-law, Peter Hastings-Bass. The historic yard had previously been home to John Porter, one of the most influential trainers of the Victorian era.
Balding quickly made his mark, sending out winners at Royal Ascot in his first two seasons and establishing Park House as one of Britain’s leading racing stables.
Mill Reef and Racing Immortality
Balding’s name became forever linked with Mill Reef, who emerged as a star two-year-old in 1969. The colt won major races including the Coventry Stakes, Gimcrack Stakes, and Dewhurst Stakes, marking him as a future champion.
At three, Mill Reef finished second in the 2,000 Guineas behind Brigadier Gerard before embarking on one of the most famous seasons in racing history. He went on to win the Derby, Eclipse Stakes, King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes, and finally the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
Mill Reef became only the second horse to complete the Derby-Arc double in the same year, a feat achieved by just a handful of elite colts. Balding was crowned champion Flat trainer that season.
Although Mill Reef’s racing career ended early due to a leg injury in 1972, he went on to enjoy great success as a stallion, further enhancing Balding’s legacy.
Other Champion Horses
Balding continued to produce top-level performers throughout his career. Among the standout horses trained at Park House were:
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Lochsong, the champion sprinter of the early 1990s
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Glint Of Gold, a multiple Group One winner
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Selkirk, a top-class miler and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes winner
Lochsong became one of the most popular horses of her era, winning major sprint races in Britain and France and earning back-to-back champion sprinter titles.
Service to the Royal Family and Jump Racing
Ian Balding also trained horses for Queen Elizabeth II for many years. His successes for the Royal Family included victories at York and other major meetings.
Despite being best known for Flat racing, Balding maintained strong ties to National Hunt racing. He won at the Cheltenham Festival and even rode in races himself, including the Foxhunter Chase over the Grand National fences at Aintree.
A Lasting Family Legacy
Horse racing ran deep in the Balding family. Ian’s father and brother were also trainers, and his son Andrew Balding has continued the family tradition with major Classic and Group One victories since taking over Park House in 2002. His daughter Clare Balding went on to become one of the UK’s most respected sports broadcasters.
Remembered as a True Racing Gentleman
Tributes from across the racing world have described Ian Balding as a man of integrity, deep knowledge, and quiet determination. His achievements, particularly with Mill Reef, secured his place among the great trainers in British racing history.
Ian Balding is remembered not only for his extraordinary success on the track, but also for his sportsmanship, professionalism, and lasting contribution to the sport.
