2026 In Memoriam (Racing people)

[jinnyj]

Sad to kick this off with this news - Ian Balding has passed away aged 87

https://www.racingpost.com/news/britain/ian-balding-legendary-trainer-of-mill-reef-dies-aged-87-a5bJS8j5ONlj/

I met him once and he spent the entire time looking at my cleavage... Great trainer though.

 

[trudij]

Nice guy and fabulous trainer. RIP

( edited because I decided my comment wasn’t necessarily appropriate!!)

 

[Desert Orchid]

Nice guy and fabulous trainer. RIP

( edited because I decided my comment wasn’t necessarily appropriate!!)

I reckon we can all guess, trudij! I know what my first thought was.

Fine trainer and I don't think I'll ever be able to disassociate him from the Paul Mellon colours. Even when I see them these days I think of Ian Balding.

(no idea what he was like as a person but obviously a fine judge of cleavages.)

 

[edgt]

Nice that he/ or at least Kingsclere inherited the Mellon colours to continue the link.
He had the advantage of huge American connection, Claire's "Who Do Think You Are" episode told that particular story very well.
A great racing family the British public should be well proud of, though Toby seemed to have been more fun .
Rest In Peace.