Sporting Life
Former trainer Ian Balding

Mill Reef's trainer Ian Balding dies aged 87

By Sporting Life
Horse Racing
Fri January 02, 2026 · 4 min ago

Ian Balding, trainer of the great Mill Reef, has died at the age of 87.

Balding was also an amateur jockey and enjoyed Cheltenham Festival success during his riding days, while as a trainer he saddled several top-class horses from his Kingsclere base including the likes of Lochsong, Glint Of Gold and Selkirk.

The 1971 Derby winner Mill Reef, who earned a Timeform rating of 141 that only six Flat horses have surpassed, was the star name among Balding's Group 1 winners.

Balding retired from training in 2002 and passed the licence to his son, Andrew, who is a Classic-winning trainer himself. Balding’s daughter Clare was also an amateur rider before her successful career in sports broadcasting.

A post on Instagram from the stable read: “We are deeply sorry to share the sad news that Ian Balding has passed away. A wonderful family man, a hugely successful racehorse trainer and a brilliant sportsman.

“He will be greatly missed by all at Park House.”

Clare Balding 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 loved his dogs, his horses and his family – probably in that order. He shared with me his passion for sport and taught me to be brave enough to chase a dream, even if it seemed impossible. We’ll miss him so much."

Mill Reef in action

'Wonderful his children are waving the flag so strongly'

Long-time friend Brough Scott said on Friday's Nick Luck Daily Podcast: “It's a bit of a shock, because I've only literally heard 20 minutes ago, even though he hasn't been great for some time.

"We go right back to him beating me one day at Worcester, which I've never really forgiven him for. But the first time I saw Arkle, he rode in the race Milo was second-favorite. That was at Cheltenham, I was standing at the last fence, wondering how he was going to get on, and this strange thing came past was called Arkle.

"He was incredibly generous with his time, he was unique really and it's difficult.

"No one else will ever, ever do what he's done, quite apart from working backwards, being the father of Andrew and Clare and all that. And all the things he did at Kingsclere with Mill Reef and all the others.

"No one else has ever, or will ever now, win a race at Huntingdon in the early-afternoon, and then get to play rugby for the Cambridge first 15 later in the same afternoon, which is what Ian did one day. He was an extremely physical guy in a nicer sense of the word. He could do things; he was a doer. He was unafraid and yet he was much more sensitive than he'd pretend, he played the piano.

"But he was a special guy, a very considerable trainer, but I remember him as a friend. And that's why it hurts at this stage. The hurt will go and the memories will get stronger. And it's wonderful these two children are waving the flag so strongly, and his wonderful wife, Emma, is still the pillar of Kingsclere too."

'Remembered with tremendous affection'

A statement from Brant Dunshea, CEO of the British Horseracing Authority, read: "lan Balding leaves a towering legacy for our sport.

"Such is his significance that no telling of the history of racing would be complete without recognition of the enormous contribution he made.

"From his legendary Kingsclere base, he nurtured generations of equine and human talent, enjoying tremendous success along the way with unforgettable stars like Mill Reef.

"He is a man who will be remembered with tremendous affection and respect across our industry, and one whose impact will continue to be felt for many years to come.

"On this sad day, all of us at the BHA extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of lan Balding."

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