Big boost for Andrew Balding as he gets two ‘exciting’ new recruits from Queens favourite trainer Michael Stoute
ANDREW BALDING will get a big boost to his three-year-old crop in the form of two horses redistributed from Sir Michael Soute’s yard.
The legendary Barbadian trainer earlier this season announced he would be retiring, leaving much speculation about who would train his current crop of horses.
Sun columnist Balding got lucky in the redistribution and has been chosen to take on the exciting pair Jonquil and Formal.
Jonquil, owned by Juddmonte, won on debut but disappointed in a Listed contest next time out at Doncaster.
While Formal won her first two races before coming fourth of five in the Group 2 Rockfel Stakes at Newmarket.
THE SUN RACING MEMBERS ENCLOSURE
The only place to get Templegate’s tips first – and at the best prices – is by joining Sun Racing’s brilliant Members Enclosure.
Sign up now for just £1* to be part of racing’s best winning team and get…
- Four free racing tickets, four times a year – worth £300
- Templegate’s daily tips at the BEST prices before anyone else
- Tomorrow’s copy of The Favourite at 9pm today
- Exclusive insights from top trainer Ben Pauling
- VIP competitions from Racing Breaks each month
- New customer offer with Coral
Become a member today for just £1*
*For the first month then £3 per month thereafter.
18+ Ts and Cs apply. First month membership £1, then £3 per month unless you cancel at least 7 days before your next billing date. For more information contact help@thesun.co.uk
Either way it’s good news for Balding, not that he needed any more ammunition.
The 51-year-old has had the season of his life, training more winners than anybody else – 157 so far – and pocketing over £5 million in prize money.
The Hampshire trainer told The Sun: “I’m obviously delighted. I’m thrilled to be getting two such exciting horses.
“But also I’m very sad that Sir Michael is giving up. He has been a constant in my career and THE elite trainer in my lifetime.
“We haven’t made any exact plans for either of them yet. They’re just settling into Kingsclere and then we will get a handle on them when they start doing some fast work in the spring.
“We already train a lot of Juddmonte and Cheveley Park horses and so have a good relationship with both those owners already.”
Following his retirement, Sir Michael Stoute put his historic Newmarket yard, Freemason Lodge, on the market.
And Kia Joorabchian of AMO Racing, the football agent who famously spent big at the Tattersalls sales in October, has put in a bid for the yard.
Unfortunately, Sir Michael did not go out with the bang he so deserved, and his final runner at Nottingham last Wednesday trailed in last.
FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chases their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.