ANDREW BALDING - THE TRAINER

Andrew Balding
Nationality: British
Number of Horses in Training: 128
Training Location: Hampshire
Regular Jockey: Martin Dwyer
Website: www.kingsclere.com



Racing Background

Racing has long been at the heart of family life for the Baldings, particularly in terms of training racehorses - Andrew’s great grandfather, two grandfathers, father and two uncles have all pursued training careers. When his father, Ian, retired from training in 2002, Andrew took over the reins, taking the family tradition of racehorse training into the next generation.

Andrew’s family remain very involved with racing on various levels. His uncle, Toby, continues to train Jump horses, whilst his sister, Claire, is one of the BBC’s top TV racing and sports presenters.

Having grown up within horseracing, Andrew was given the opportunity to turn his hand to raceriding. He describes his ability as a jockey as very poor, yet he managed to accumulate 20 winners under rules and several point-to-point wins (amateur Jump races).

Andrew’s first winner as a trainer was a horse called Easter Ogil, who won at Lingfield Park on January 11th, 2003.

The best horse he has trained is 2003 Vodafone Oaks winner, Casual Look. She brought Andrew ‘Classic’ race victory in what was only his first full season as a trainer, helping him to make his mark amongst the big names in the sport.

Phoenix Reach is one horse who stands out as a challenge to train. He suffered a number of training setbacks, including a fractured fetlock when he was two, but overcame problems and had the courage to go on to win the Pattison Canadian International (Group 1) in 2003. Andrew regards this achievement as one of his greatest feats as a trainer.


Other Hobbies and Interests

During his spare time, Andrew enjoys playing polo and five-a-side football. He is also a huge fan of Southampton FC, where he is a season ticket holder.

Andrew likes to listen to music by Coldplay and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, whilst his favourite film is ‘Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels’.

His star-sign is Capricorn.

Outside of racing, Andrew continues to hold great respect for his old head master, Denis Silk. He describes him as a great man with an amazing knowledge of a variety of subjects.

Andrew admits to having plenty of bad habits, the worst of which is smoking.

ANDREW CHRISTOU AND ANDREW BALDING