The Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury provided a poignant backdrop on a day when the venue paid heartfelt tribute to the late Ian Balding, and the emotions on the track reflected that reverence. In a race named after the legendary Park Stables resident, the partnership of Kingsclere‑trained jockey William Buick and the Charlie Appleby‑owned colt Nabati managed to outpace Andrew Balding's filly Jolivette in a finish that seemed tailor‑made for the occasion.
Just over a week after finishing a close third in the Flying Scotsman Stakes at Doncaster—where Appleby's Forbidden Fire, also trained by Andrew Balding, took the honours—Nabati was given a fresh opportunity to prove his mettle. Dropped back to six furlongs, the seven‑to‑four favourite demonstrated both versatility and determination, edging out his rivals by the slimmest of margins—a short‑head—thereby delivering a dramatic reversal of fortunes for the Appleby camp. The race also featured Michael Dods' Araporo Gold, the 5‑4 favourite and a former Gimcrack winner, who had bested Nabati earlier in the season over the same distance. Arapaho Gold lived up to his reputation, staying in contention and contributing to an exhilarating Group Two finish.
Yet the narrative of the day was dominated by the Balding family, whose legacy was honoured by the winning jockey, a product of the esteemed Hampshire Academy, and by the emotional connections that ran through the crowd. Buick, who grew up watching the sport at Kingsclere, reflected on the significance of the moment. "I was twelve the first summer I spent at Kingsclere, and the memories are vivid.
Seeing Ian Balding’s footage before the race brought back a flood of those moments, and it felt like a privilege to be part of this day. I woke up this morning thinking the horse was coming on strongly, but knowing it was in Ian’s honour made me want to give everything I had," he said. "I imagine Ian would have been pleased to see us give it our all from the furlong post to the line.
A dead‑heat would have been perfect, but winning the race feels wonderful." For Appleby, Nabati's victory represented a back‑to‑back success in the Mill Reef Stakes, following the triumph of Words Of Truth a year earlier. Buick praised the colt’s resilience: "He was a bit awkward out of the stalls, but once we settled him into a rhythm and asked him to go earlier than planned, he fought back brilliantly.
At Doncaster the race unfolded away from us, which may have helped him conserve energy, but Charlie’s tactical call paid off, and the horse has repaid that confidence handsomely." Andrew Balding, speaking on behalf of the runner‑up Jolivette, acknowledged the filly’s valiant effort. "I was thrilled with her performance; she gave everything she had but just fell short of the win. She’s a wonderful filly, capable on any ground, and a true star. I’m grateful to Newbury and Dubai Duty Free for allowing my father’s name to be attached to this race—it felt almost perfect.
At least Will secured the victory, and he’s a true Kingsclere boy," Balding added. The meeting also highlighted the rising talent of jockey Jack Nicholls, who secured the most valuable win of his career in the Dubai International Airport World Trophy Stakes aboard Miss Yechance. The 20‑year‑old had previously guided the three‑year‑old to a handicap win at York’s Ebor meeting and was once again entrusted with the filly, delivering a neck‑length victory at 12‑1 odds over Clive Cox’s Shagraan.
Diligent Harry, a stablemate of Shagraan, claimed third place, edging out the 9‑4 favourite Starlust. Nicholls’ success carries a familial resonance; his father Adrian and late grandfather Dandy were both noted sprinters, making this Group Three win a fitting continuation of the family’s sprinting pedigree. The apprentice described his emotions: "I called my dad on the way down and told him I thought I could finish in the top four.
He told me to stay level‑headed and not do anything out of character. I followed his advice and it paid off, so I’m over the moon." He continued, "This season has felt like a dream. I’ve ticked off every goal I set for myself.
After winning the heritage handicap at York, I said I’d love to win a Group race on Miss Yechance, and to do it on my first try is special. The buzz is incredible, especially for the trainer who has supported me from the start. The owners trusted a 3‑lb claimer like me, and that trust means everything." Overall, the Mill Reef Stakes delivered a blend of nostalgia, competitive drama, and emerging talent. The race served as a fitting tribute to Ian Balding, while also showcasing the depth of skill among jockeys and trainers across the British flat racing scene.
Nabati’s narrow victory, the spirited run from Jolivette, and Jack Nicholls’ breakthrough all combined to make a memorable afternoon at Newbury, reinforcing the venue’s reputation as a stage where history and future intersect.