Balding, Arthur

Born at Maltby, Rotherham, on May 28, 1903, son of a carter, Arthur Balding served his apprenticeship with Bert Lines and Peter Gilpin.He rode his first winner on Rescue in the Three-Year-Old Handicap at Newmarket on April 25, 1919.

He enjoyed a particularly successful year in 1920, winning the Chester Cup on Our Stephen, the City and Suburban on Corn Sack, and the Queen’s Prize on Bridgewater. In 1921 he won the Kempton Park Great Jubilee Handicap on Paragon and Epsom’s Woodcote Stakes on Re-Echo. Other big race successes during his career included the Duke of York Stakes, Newbury Spring Cup, London Cup and the Great Yorkshire Handicap. But by far his biggest day in the saddle was when winning the 1927 One Thousand Guineas on Peter Gilpin’s Cresta Run.

Arthur had married Dorothy on December 6, 1923. She went on to give him four sons: John William, Peter, Raymond and Arthur David.

He retired from riding and took out a trainer's licence in 1930. Not unnaturally, his son John became engaged as stable apprentice whilst David Balding acted as head lad.

Arthur sent out horses from Serlby Hall Stables, situated in Bawtry, Doncaster. Among his best were Profile, Rubitin, Fortlin and Red Won.

He retired from training on New Year's Day, 1987, having enjoyed 73 years – as jockey and trainer – with horses. His son John took over the running of the yard.

Arthur Balding died of cancer on October 28, 1987, aged 84.

Arthur’s brother William (c1900-1955) was also a successful Flat jockey. Two other brothers, Cyril and Robert Edward, also rode as jockeys. Robert was killed in a motor cycle accident in 1928, aged 30.