Legendary trainer Balding dies aged 87

Ian Balding, the trainer of the 1971 Epsom Derby winner Mill Reef, has died at the age of 87.

Balding, the father of television broadcaster Clare, won the National Hunt Chase on Time at the 1963 Cheltenham Festival during his career as an amateur jockey.

It was as a trainer that he excelled though, and his Kingsclere yard in Newbury produced many Group One victors, including Glint Of Gold, Selkirk, Lochsong and most notably Mill Reef.

The American-bred colt won the Derby, ridden by Geoff Lewis, as well as the Eclipse Stakes, the King George VI Stakes, the Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe to make Balding champion trainer in 1971.

He retired in 2002 and handed over the licence to his son Andrew, who is now a multiple Classic-winning trainer.

In a post on Instagram, Park House Stables wrote: "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."