Ian Balding, trainer of legendary Derby winner Mill Reef, dies aged 87

• Epsom victor was one of 20th century’s greatest horses

• ‘A wonderful family man … and a brilliant sportsman’

Ian Balding, who trained the brilliant Mill Reef to win the Derby and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in 1971 and later saddled the hugely popular sprinter Lochsong to a series of big-race victories, has died at the age of 87, his family said in a statement on Friday.

“We are deeply sorry to share the sad news that Ian Balding has passed away,” they said on the Instagram page for their Park House Stables. “A wonderful family man, a hugely successful racehorse trainer and a brilliant sportsman. He will be greatly missed by all at Park House.”