Clare Balding remembers 'one of a kind' father Ian

What’s Happening

Not gonna lie, Clare Balding has paid tribute to her “fearless, funny and charming” father Ian following his death on Friday at the age of 87.

Trainer of the 1971 Der Reef, Balding’s two children have gone on to have hugely-successful careers in their own fields. His son Andrew took over the licence in 2002 and quickly earned a place at the top table, while Clare was a leading amateur jockey before turning her hand to broadcasting and writing. (wild, right?)

She posted on socials: “My Dad was one of a kind.

The Details

Fearless, funny and charming he was an all round sportsman, a solid trainer and a clean horseman. “He loved his dogs, his horses and his family - probably in that order.

He d with me his passion for sport and taught me to be brave enough to chase a dream, even if it seemed impossible. ” Balding was part of notable racing family, his father Gerald was a renowned polo player before embarking on a training career while his brother Toby, who died in 2014, is on the elite list of handlers who have sent out winners of the Grand National, Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle.

Why This Matters

He first took out a licence in 1964 and just seven years later, Mill Reef’s exploits propelled Balding into the headlines and helped him become champion trainer for the one and only time in his career.

This is the kind of move that can define a season.