 | Born: 29 December 1972 Started training: 2003 Base: Park House, Kingsclere English Classic wins:
One (Oaks) 2003 wins: 54 Main jockey: Martin Dwyer |
Balding took over the reins at the famous Kingsclere yard at the beginning of 2003 when his father Ian, trainer of the great Mill Reef, retired. And he had a dream first season which saw him land the Oaks with Casual Look.
Balding assisted his father for four years, running one part of the yard and training plenty of winners in all but name.
That followed a two-year stint working as the assistant to Lynda Ramsden.
Balding, who begain his training career working for his uncle Toby, hails from a famous racing family.
Another uncle, William Huntingdon, was once a very successful Flat trainer while Balding's mother is a breeding expert and his sister Clare is the BBC TV racing presenter.
His great-grandfather trained four Grand National winners and while the Kingsclere yard contains mainly Flat horses, it also houses several decent jumpers, including Gunner Welburn, fourth in the 2003 National.
MMIX
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