THE racing world mourned the death of Toby Balding yesterday as news broke that the Grand National winning trainer had died on Thursday aged 78.

Clare Balding, his niece and a respected broadcaster, hailed a “brilliant trainer but an even better human being,” adding: “Everyone loved him.”

The renowned trainer, older brother of Classic-winning handler Ian Balding, claimed the Aintree showpiece with Highland Wedding in 1969 and Little Polveir in 1989 during a remarkable career over jumps and on the Flat.

He also won the Champion Hurdle with Beech Road in 1989 and Morley Street in 1991, as well as the Cheltenham Gold Cup with Cool Ground in 1992 in a career that saw him train more than 2,000 winners.

Balding’s daughter Serena Geake called him a “great man, who loved life, horses and people.”

The most famous jockey from off the Balding production line was Tony McCoy, who began his career in Britain with the great trainer.

McCoy said: “He did everything the right way. He had great patience.

“First and foremost, he was a great trainer. Two Grand Nationals, a Champion Hurdle and a Gold Cup shows you that — he also won big races on the Flat.

“He was a hugely respected figure in the world of racing.

“His record as a trainer was second to none. To nurture a young person there was no better man. He was a very fair man and a very enjoyable man to be around.

“He’d give you great belief and confidence. He’d always be one to talk things through with you and put you right.

“It’s a sad day.”