Prolific National Hunt Sire Passing Glance Dies at 27

Passing Glance, who was a dual Group winner for Andrew Balding and later became a prolific National Hunt stallion, has died at the age of 27.

Successful in the G2 Oettingen-Rennen in 2003 and G3 Diomed Stakes the following year, Passing Glance also made headlines as a Flat stallion through the exploits of his second-crop son, Side Glance, whose victories included the G1 Mackinnon Stakes.

“It is with a heavy heart that we have to announce the loss of Passing Glance,” read a statement from Batsford Stud, home to the son of Polar Falcon since 2017.

“Sadly, at the grand old age of 27, Passing Glance succumbed to age-related health conditions. He has stood at Batsford for the last 10 years when owners David and Kathleen Holmes asked us to stand their great stallion for them. Passing Glance has produced multiple Graded and black-type winners, including Dashel Drasher, Strong Leader, Millers Bank and Fountains Windfall, to name a few.”

The statement continued, “Passing Glance was bred by the late Ian Balding and his wife Emma and trained by his son Andrew. He has been a stalwart sire for us here at Batsford. As many of you know, he was always full of life and covered his mares with enthusiasm!

“This year Passing Glance has been crowned leading British National Hunt sire for the 2025/2026 season by prize-money. He leaves behind a legacy and he has so many exciting youngsters to run for him. He has left a very large void here at Batsford and he will be greatly missed.

“We would like to say on behalf of David and Kathleen Holmes and everyone here at Batsford thank you for supporting Passing Glance over the many years that he has been here.”