Home / Sports / Derby Winner Trainer Ian Balding Dies at 87
Derby Winner Trainer Ian Balding Dies at 87
2 Jan
Summary
- Renowned racehorse trainer Ian Balding has died at the age of 87.
- He trained the iconic 1971 Derby winner Mill Reef.
- Balding retired in 2002, passing his training licence to his son Andrew.
The horse racing community is mourning the loss of Ian Balding, a highly respected trainer, who died at the age of 87. Balding was best known for training the legendary Mill Reef, who triumphed in the 1971 Derby, a career highlight among his many Group One victories.
Operating from his renowned Kingsclere yard, Balding also trained other distinguished performers, including Glint Of Gold, Selkirk, and Lochsong. In his amateur riding days, he also achieved success at the Cheltenham Festival.
Balding retired from training in 2002, transferring the training licence to his son, Andrew Balding. His daughter, Clare Balding, is a well-known broadcaster and was a prominent amateur rider. The yard expressed deep sorrow, remembering him as a "wonderful family man, a hugely successful racehorse trainer and a brilliant sportsman."
