‘He taught me to be brave enough to chase a dream’: farewell to Mill Reef’s legendary trainer Ian Balding

Ian Balding, pictured in 1994.

Ian Balding, who trained the great Mill Reef and is remembered for his “towering legacy”, has died aged 87.

Park House Stables in Kingsclere, where Mr Balding trained before his son, Andrew, took on the licence in 2002, shared the news today (2 January).

“A wonderful family man, a hugely successful racehorse trainer and a brilliant sportsman. He will be greatly missed by all at Park House,” read the tribute.

Mr Balding studied at Cambridge, achieving a blue for rugby in 1961...