Frank Balchin

Francis Augustus (Gus) Balchiin was born in Carshalton, the third son of James Balchin. He rode Xanthus to finish third in the 1858 Grand National, then fell on the same horse in the 1859 Grand National. The following year, 1860, Gus came third once again on Xanthus. His younger brother Charles was the trainer on each occasion. 

Though well beaten in 1958, Xanthus put up a fine show in the 1860 Grand National, taking up the running after Valentine’s first time and looking well in command re-entering the racecourse. Xanthus was joined by the eventual winner, Anatis, at halfway and the pair duelled until Anatis outjumped Xanthus at Valentines on the second circuit. Xanthus plugged on to finish third, beaten a total of six and a half lengths. 

Following his career as a jockey, Gus became private trainer at The Warren for George Hodgman who had a dozen horses. He trained Shillelagh to win Ascot’s King’s Stand Stakes in 1862. In 1863 he trained Victor to land the Royal Hunt Cup and, in 1865, Verdant to win the Ebor Handicap. 

After leaving The Warren he purchased Elm Lodge Stables, at Telscomb, near Lewes for £1,550. He trained at Kentford, Newmarket in 1872, moving to Bloomsbury House, Newmarket in the following year.

An accident had left him partially paralysed at one point in his life. He died on 18 April 1880.