Ian Balding: A Celebration of Life

Friday, March 6, 2026 | 5:57 am

Andrew Balding looks on as his father Ian (R) celebrates with Dancing Star's owner Jeff Smith after the Stewards Cup Goodwood 30.7.16 Pic: Edward Whitaker

A service to celebrate the life of Classic-winning trainer Ian Balding will be held on Sunday, April 19, at Park House Stables, Kingsclere.

Balding, who died on January 2 at the age of 87, made an indelible impression on the turf, both as the trainer of a swathe of top-class horses including Mill Reef, and as a mentor to many young people who subsequently graduated to success in the sport.

His son Andrew, now one of Britain's leading trainers, succeeded him at the helm of Kingsclere in 2002 and has been responsible for two of the last six 2,000 Guineas winners in Kameko and Chaldean.

Anyone wishing to receive further details regarding the Celebration of Life is asked to email office@kingsclere.com.