A British racehorse trainer based in Kingsclere, Hampshire, Andrew Balding is a regular and highly respected presence at Ascot.
Balding has secured notable victories at the festival – including the Coventry Stakes with Berkshire Shadow in 2021, the Coronation Stakes with Alcohol Free in 2021, and the Ascot Stakes with Coltrane in 2022.
This year, Balding aims to manage a small but versatile team in pursuit of valuable wins. Look out for his runners in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, Wokingham Stakes and Prince of Wales's Stakes.
LiveScore Bet Royal Ascot 2026 Free Bet Offer
GET A FREE BET when you bet on the first race every day
How to claim
Place a cash bet within 48 hours of the first race of Royal Ascot each day.
Receive a Free Bet (max 1) each day within an hour after the settlement of your qualifying bet.
The Max Free Bet varies per Member. We’ll let you know the maximum Free Bet value you’ll receive via pop-up when logged into your Account.
See our promotions page for T&Cs.
Double Rush
Age: 4yo (01Apr22)
Trainer: Andrew Balding
Owner: Forz Europe Ltd
Entry: Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (6f), Wokingham Stakes (6f)
Originally trained by Charles Hills before switching to Andrew Balding on 31 March 2026, Double Rush has remained unbeaten, competing in two 6f races at Newmarket.
The 4-year-old Bay Colt is currently entered in both the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (6f) and the Wokingham Stakes (6f) – although unlikely to run in both. His best shot is in the Wokingham Stakes, where he’s the second favourite, behind only William Haggas’ Binhareer.
Date | Distance | Venue | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
02 May 2026 | 6f | Newmarket | 1/9 |
15 Apr 2026 | 6f | Newmarket | 1/13 |
06 Sep 2025 | 6f | Ascot | 15/19 (Brosay) |
18 Jul 2025 | 6f | Hamilton | 2/14 (Nariko) |
14 Jun 2025 | 6f | York | 3/18 (Hucklesbrook) |
Table: Recent Form of Double Rush
Flora Of Bermuda
Age: 5yo (29Apr21)
Trainer: Andrew Balding
Owner: Wathnan Racing
Entry: Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (6f)
A specialist over 6f, Flora Of Bermuda is the best fit in Balding’s stable for the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes.
The Roan Mare will, however, face fierce competition from Australian Joliestar, trained by Chris Waller, who comes in as the early favourite. Other runners include Satono Reve,
Comanche Brave and Lugal.
Date | Distance | Venue | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
02 May 2026 | 6f | Newmarket | 1/9 (Rosy Affair) |
18 Oct 2025 | 6f | Ascot | 9/19 (Powerful Glory) |
06 Sep 2025 | 6f | Haydock | 3/17 (Big Mojo) |
12 Jul 2025 | 6f | Newmarket | 14/14 (No Half Measures) |
21 Jun 2025 | 6f | Ascot | 3/14 (Lazzat) |
Table: Recent Form of Flora Of Bermuda
Kalpana
Age: 5yo (29Apr21)
Trainer: Andrew Balding
Owner: Juddmonte
Entry: Prince Of Wales's Stakes
Entered in the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes, Kalpana is Balding’s best shot of victory, despite the level of competition in the event. Early entries include Daryz, Ombudsman, Almaqam and Minnie Hauk.
Date | Distance | Venue | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
16 May 2026 | 1m4f | Newbury | 1/5 |
18 Oct 2025 | 1m4f | Ascot | 1/10 |
05 Oct 2025 | 1m4f | Longchamp | 7/17 (Daryz) |
06 Sept 2025 | 1m4f | Kempton | 2/6 (Giavellotto) |
26 Jul 2025 | 1m4f | Ascot | 2/5 (Calandagan) |
Table: Recent Form of Kalpana
Takeaway
Balding, though less prolific than O’Brien or Appleby, is known for placing well in handicaps and excelling in Group races where the opportunity presents itself. It’s well worth following Double Rush, Flora Of Bermuda and Kalpana, ready for the market's opening on the day.
Related Royal Ascot articles:
