Dettori looks back on Lochsong highs with Balding

Frankie Dettori reflected on the “wonderful moments” he shared with Ian Balding following the death of the Derby-winning trainer at the age of 87.

The Italian formed a fine association with the Balding-trained Lochsong, who was the pre-eminent sprinter of her time.

They teamed up to win at the highest level for the first time in the Nunthorpe in 1993 before adding back-to-back Prix de l’Abbaye wins in 1993 and 1994. She also won twice at Glorious Goodwood when ridden by Dettori and took the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot in 1994.

In a statement on X, Dettori said: “I woke up this morning to the sad news of the passing of Ian Balding, a man who was a tremendous supporter of mine in my early days.

“We shared some wonderful moments together, notably with Lochsong and (her half-sister) Lochangel, and it was through Ian that I was first given the opportunity to ride for Her Majesty The Queen (Queen Elizabeth II), something I will always be deeply grateful for.

“My heartfelt condolences go out to the Balding family and to everyone associated with Park House at this very difficult time.”

Fellow leading jockey Kieren Fallon also enjoyed a fine association with a trainer he described as an “absolute gentleman”, landing prestigious handicaps like the Cesarewitch and Ayr Gold Cup with Top Cees and Grangeville respectively as well as Group-race victories home and abroad with Trans Island.

Fallon said: “He was such a great trainer and an absolute gentleman to ride for.

“It was a joy and I loved every minute riding for him. I would love going down and riding work and he has such a lovely family.

“You look at Andrew (Balding, son), who was a young assistant at the time I would be there, but then look at where he has got to today.

“Ian enjoyed a great career and was a true gentleman. The Baldings are such a great family and he will be sadly missed.”

As well as Balding’s accomplishments on the Flat, he also enjoyed victory at the Cheltenham Festival and having won the 1963 National Hunt Chase as an amateur jockey, returned to Prestbury Park in 1991 to successfully saddle Crystal Spirit in the Sun Alliance Novices’ Hurdle.

Jimmy Frost was the man in the plate that day and remembers fondly his time at the Kingsclere operation, riding their band of jumpers.

Frost said: “All my thoughts are with the family and what a great day Crystal Spirit was. I think it was Ian’s principal from his school that had backed him and Ian was so chuffed that he had won a bet.

“It was an amazing place to ride and I was very privileged to be a part of the jumping team there for a while, he gave me some great horses to ride.

“There were some great days with some great people and Spinning was a brilliant horse to ride, he broke the record at Haydock and Aintree. It was a privilege to ride a horse like him and Crystal Spirit and some of the others like Song Of Sixpence who come to mind now.

“Toby and Ian, what an amazing pair of brothers, and what the Balding family did for me made my life.”

British Horseracing Authority chief executive Brant Dunshea acknowledged the “enormous contribution” Balding made to the sport.

He said: “Ian Balding leaves a towering legacy for our sport. Such is his significance that no telling of the history of racing would be complete without recognition of the enormous contribution he made.

“From his legendary Kingsclere base, he nurtured generations of equine and human talent, enjoying tremendous success along the way with unforgettable stars like Mill Reef.

“He is a man who will be remembered with tremendous affection and respect across our industry, and one whose impact will continue to be felt for many years to come.

“On this sad day, all of us at the BHA extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Ian Balding.”