‘Fearless, Funny and Charming’: Tributes Paid to Ian Balding

[Wandering Eyes]

Ian Balding has been remembered by his daughter Clare as “fearless, funny and charming” as those around the world of racing paid tribute to the former champion trainer, whose death, at the age of 87, was announced by his family on Friday.

On her Instagram account, the BBC broadcaster said, “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.”

Balding's brother-in-law and fellow former trainer Lord Huntingdon also spoke fondly of him, recalling that, “I don't think we ever had a cross word.”

He added, “Ian was very competitive and, unfortunately, he was a marginally better sportsman. I beat him once or twice at squash, but only once or twice.

“As well as the sports that he loved playing, he was a director of Southampton Football Club. It sort of all stemmed from the family relationship because when he came here [to Kingsclere] as assistant, he'd been with Herbert Blagrave, who was my great uncle, married to my grandmother's sister, and Herbert was at that point chairman of Southampton.

“Ian joined the board, and he was very enthusiastic about supporting Southampton and Andrew has followed suit. Herbert Blagrave was also the man who got Mick Channon away from just betting and into breeding, and then becoming a trainer when he retired.”

Martin Dwyer, who rode Casual Look to win the Oaks for Andrew Balding in his first season as a trainer, was originally apprenticed to Ian Balding from the age of 16. He said, “It is very sad, Ian was a great man. He loved sport and he was a great horseman. I owe Ian and his family a debt of gratitude for what they did for me and for many other people, not just 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 kid from Liverpool and shaped me into who I am today. I was a bit rough around the edges when I first came but he taught me a lot about riding, about racing and about life in general.

“I was apprenticed to Ian and had my first winners for him, we had a lot 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.”

Brant Dunshea, acting CEO of the British Horseracing Authority, said, “Ian 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 Ian Balding.”

In a post on X, Frankie Dettori joined those paying tribute, saying, “I woke up this morning to the sad news of the passing of Ian Balding, a man who was a tremendous supporter of mine in my early days. We shared some wonderful moments together, notably with Lochsong and Lochangel, and it was through Ian that I was first given the opportunity to ride for Her Majesty The Queen, something I will always be deeply grateful for.

“My heartfelt condolences go out to the Balding family and to everyone associated with Park House at this very difficult time.”

Paul Johnson, CEO of the National Trainers Federation, said, “We are extremely sad to hear that legendary trainer Ian Balding has passed away. He was an outstanding trainer, an engaging character, a great family man and a real supporter of young, aspiring jockeys.

“Ian first took out a training licence in 1964 and, along with his brother Toby, was a passionate advocate of the National Trainers Federation, becoming a longstanding chairman of the NTF Flat Committee. Our thoughts are with his family.”

 

The post ‘Fearless, Funny and Charming’: Tributes Paid to Ian Balding appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

View the full article