Based in Kingsclere, Andrew Balding has enjoyed many notable successes since launching his training career in 2003, including Classic victories in the 2000 Guineas and Epsom Oaks. Having broken through the £1 million prize money barrier in each of the past 13 seasons, the son of trainer Ian Balding is an established member of the British training elite. As such, it is no surprise to see him do well in any given season.
Nevertheless, 2024 marked a year to remember for Balding, who finished second in the British Trainers Championship behind Ballydoyle supremo Aidan O’Brien, set new personal bests for winners (163) and prize money (£5,138,881), and picked up 11 Group/Graded wins.
On paper, 2024 looks like a tough year to follow. However, Balding has made a most encouraging start. A little over two weeks into the season, he leads the way in the British Trainers Championship, having already reeled in £655,470 in prize money. Rattling in a four-timer at Newbury on Saturday and hitting the target on days one and two of the Craven Meeting, Balding has begun with a bang in 2025.
Next Stop, Newcastle
This week, Balding will hope to keep the good times rolling on Good Friday as All-Weather Championships Finals Day heads to Newcastle. Offering over £1 million in total prize money, All-Weather Championships Finals Day is the centrepiece of the all-weather season and has proven to be a smash hit with punters.
Finals Day is coming! 🏆 @awchamps | @NewcastleRaces pic.twitter.com/dJWfr2urKM
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) April 14, 2025
When looking at the stats, Balding may be pleased to see the 2025 edition take place on the Tapeta track at the Northeast venue. Over the past five seasons, Balding boasts an impressive 25% win percentage at Newcastle, amassing £999,863 in prize money and producing a profit of £36.77 to £1 level stakes. We hope you have been backing him!
Something in the Gosforth Park air appears to agree with the Balding contenders, and the trainer returns with a strong team in 2025. Will any of the following add to his excellent record at the track and continue the red-hot start to the 2025 campaign?
1:15 BetMGM Burradon Stakes
Balding has yet to claim this 1m event for the three-year-olds. However, his sole entry, Royal Playwright, is a warm favourite in 2025. Holding entries in the Irish 2000 Guineas and Epsom Derby, this son of Lope De Vega won only one of four starts in 2024 but posted smart efforts in Group company. If handling the all-weather surface, he may be the one to beat.
1:50 BetMGM All-Weather 3-Year-Old Championships Handicap
Having won the 2024 edition of this with Fire Demon, Balding sends a three-pronged attack into battle this time. Going in the colours of Al Shaqab Racing, Humam boasts form figures of 112 on the all-weather and is rated the most likely of the trio to prevail. Humam may be the shortest price of the Balding runners, but Marchogion won over this trip at Southwell in January, and Berkshire Whisper scored over course and distance on his most recent outing.
3:00 BetMGM All-Weather Championships Mile Handicap
Balding enters only one in the big 1m event on the card in the shape of Storm Star, son of 2000 Guineas champ, Night Of Thunder. Successful in two of his three starts over this course and distance, he arrives seeking a hattrick following back-to-back wins here in January.
4:07 BetUK All-Weather Easter Classic Middle-Distance Handicap
The prize money moves up to £175,000 for the final two races on the card, starting with this 1m2f affair. Last successful with Notre Belle Bete in 2023, Balding relies on his Sea The Stars gelding Old Harrovian in 2025. An easy winner over course and distance in January, he’s 9lb higher in the handicap this year but will again have the assistance of champion jockey Oisin Murphy.
4:42 BetUK All-Weather Championships Marathon Handicap
The stayers round out the action in the joint most valuable event on the card. Balding again joins forces with Oisin Murphy in this 2m½f finale. Whilst Palge De Havre’s all-weather form figures of 22212 must be a little frustrating, that solitary win came in his only previous start at this track. Stepping up to this trip for the first time, he is vying for favouritism in most betting lists.
Will Balding add another valuable prize to his 2025 haul? Could he even match his four-timer from Newbury? We will find out on Friday afternoon.