Ian Balding, legendary horse trainer and the father of Clare Balding, has died at the age of 87.
Mr Balding, who was also a Cheltenham Festival-winning rider in his amateur days, sent out many top-class performers from his Kingsclere yard.
The most famous being Mill Reef, one of the greatest racehorses of the past half-century and winner of the 1971 Derby.
He was also involved with training Glint Of Gold, Selkirk and Lochson.
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.
Starting at the BBC in 1994, she is well known for her extensive coverage of major events like the Olympics and Paralympics.
A post on Instagram from the yard confirmed the sad news.
Ian Balding, legendary horse trainer, has died at the age of 87
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PA
It 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.”
Tributes have poured in for the legendary horse trainer.
Sports presenter Gabby Logan wrote: ‘Sending love to you all’.
Irish sports broadcaster Rachel Wyse added: ‘RIP Ian’.
Mr Balding was also an amateur jockey on Time in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham in 1963, winning the race.
He went on to ride his own horse named Ross Poldark in the Foxhunter Chase over the Grand National fences at Aintree in 1985, aged 46.