Clare Balding has paid tribute to her “fearless, humorous and charming” father Ian following his demise 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 shortly 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 considered one of a sort. Fearless, humorous and charming he was an all spherical sportsman, an awesome coach and an attractive 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 a part of notable racing household, his father Gerald was a famend polo participant earlier than embarking on a coaching profession whereas his brother Toby, who died in 2014, is on the elite checklist of handlers who’ve despatched out winners of the Grand Nationwide, Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle.
He first took out a licence in 1964 and simply seven years later, Mill Reef’s exploits propelled Balding into the headlines and helped him turn out to be champion coach for the one and solely time in his profession.
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 technique to three Group One wins and a spot within the public hearts.
A proficient newbie rider in his youth, Balding not solely tasted Cheltenham Pageant glory as a rider but in addition 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 “an awesome man who was beloved and revered by many”.
He mentioned: “It is rather unhappy, Ian was an awesome man.
“He beloved sport and he was an awesome horseman, I owe Ian and his household a debt of gratitude for what they did for me and for a lot of different individuals, not simply jockeys.
“He helped lots of people alongside and helped them of their careers, I am 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 in the present day, I used to be a bit tough across the edges after I first got here however he taught me loads about driving, about racing and about life generally.
“I used to be solely 16 after I first went there, he was only a nice man who was beloved and revered by many.
“I used to be apprenticed to Ian and had my first winners for him, we had a number of success and that continued when Andrew took over.
“The Balding household had been like a second household. I am undecided it occurs today as racing has modified and is so fast-paced, however Ian at all times had a lot time for individuals.
“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 awesome legacy.”
