Clare Balding has paid tribute to her “fearless, funny and charming” father Ian following his loss of life on Friday on the age of 87.
Coach of the 1971 Derby winner Mill Reef, Balding’s two youngsters have gone on to have hugely-successful careers in their very own fields.
His son Andrew took over the licence in 2002 and rapidly earned a spot on the high desk, whereas Clare was a number one newbie jockey earlier than turning her hand to broadcasting and writing.
She posted on social media: “My Dad was one of a kind. Fearless, funny and charming he was an all round sportsman, a great trainer and a beautiful horseman.
“He beloved his canines, his horses and his household – in all probability in that order. He shared with me his ardour for sport and taught me to be courageous sufficient to chase a dream, even when it appeared unimaginable. We’ll miss him a lot.”
Balding was part of notable racing family, his father Gerald was a renowned polo player before embarking on a training career while his brother Toby, who died in 2014, is on the elite list of handlers who have sent out winners of the Grand National, Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle.
He first took out a licence in 1964 and just seven years later, Mill Reef’s exploits propelled Balding into the headlines and helped him become champion trainer for the one and only time in his career.
Ian Balding with Mill Reef
Balding loved an everyday stream of top-class runners, with Glint Of Gold a six-times Group One winner, whereas the likes of Mrs Penny, Diamond Shoal, Gold And Ivory and champion miler Selkirk had been different star names earlier than pace queen Lochsong blazed her strategy to three Group One wins and a spot within the public hearts.
A gifted newbie rider in his youth, Balding not solely tasted Cheltenham Competition glory as a rider but additionally as a coach, saddling the 1991 Solar Alliance Novices’ Hurdle winner Crystal Spirit, who raced in the identical Paul Mellon colors sported by Mill Reef.
He additionally helped many aspiring riders of their careers, together with subsequent Derby winner Martin Dwyer who paid tribute to “a great man who was loved and respected by many”.
He mentioned: “It is very sad, Ian was a great man.
“He beloved sport and he was an incredible horseman, I owe Ian and his household a debt of gratitude for what they did for me and for a lot of different folks, not simply jockeys.
“He helped a lot of people along and helped them in their careers, I’m eternally grateful to have been included in that.
“He took me in as a snotty-nosed child from Liverpool and formed me into who I’m right this moment, I used to be a bit tough across the edges after I first got here however he taught me lots about driving, about racing and about life generally.
“I was only 16 when I first went there, he was just a great man who was loved and respected by many.
“I used to be apprenticed to Ian and had my first winners for him, we had loads of success and that continued when Andrew took over.
“The Balding family were like a second family. I’m not sure it happens these days as racing has changed and is so fast-paced, but Ian always had so much time for people.
“He had an amazing quantity of success at Kingsclere after which Andrew and his household have taken it on and made it even greater. He leaves an incredible legacy.”
