Ian Balding, trainer of the Derby winner Mill Reef, has died at the age of 87.

Balding, who was also a Cheltenham Festival-winning rider in his amateur days, sent out many top-class performers from his Kingsclere yard including Glint Of Gold, Selkirk and Lochsong but the 1971 Derby hero remains the standout name among his Group 1 victors.

He retired in 2002 handing over the licence to his son Andrew, who is now a multiple Classic-winning trainer himself. Balding’s daughter Clare was also a leading amateur rider before embarking on her hugely successful broadcasting career.

A post on Instagram from the yard read: “We are deeply sorry to share the sad news that Ian Balding has passed away.

“A wonderful family man, a hugely successful racehorse trainer and a brilliant sportsman.

“He will be greatly missed by all at Park House.”