Ian Balding pays tribute to 1971 Derby hero Mill Reef 50 years after his birth

Ian Balding has given a special two-part interview to mark the anniversary of the greatest horse he ever trained, Mill Reef, who was born 50 years ago this year.

The interview comes as Newbury builds up to the race named in his honour – the Group 2 Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes – which is to be run on Saturday.

The 1971 Derby, King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes and Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner was trained just seven miles from Newbury in Kingsclere and it was fitting the Berkshire track established the Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes in 1972, a year after Mill Reef had to be retired following a career-ending injury on the gallops.

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