Legendary racing trainer Andrew Balding's 18-year-old son is a 6ft 10 future Gloucester lock

Horse racing fans will need no introduction to Andrew Balding, who is considered by many to be the finest flat race trainer of the modern era. However, his son Jonno has taken a different sporting path entirely, as he prefers scrum caps over jockey helmets in pursuit of a career in professional rugby.

Jonno Balding is currently on the books of Gloucester Rugby, and standing a billed 6ft 10 at just 18-years-old, it's safe to say that he could well be the future of the Cherry and Whites engine room. Balding has also achieved some international age grade honours as he continues to rise through the ranks, having already ran out for the England U18s, before being named in the England squad for the U20 Six Nations.

A Gold Scholar at the University of Bristol, Balding brings brains as well as out-right brawn to Kingsholm. Speaking to BOYLE Sports, who offer the latest horse racing odds, Andrew Balding is excited to see his son continue to progress within the Cherry and Whites set-up.

"It’s been great for the whole family. We followed him and supported him. He's only not even halfway there yet in terms of what he potentially could achieve. It’s a very important development time for him at the moment because he's only 18 and he's a second row forward.

"Physically he needs to develop, but it's been really exciting watching it. Gloucester Rugby have done a fabulous job looking after him."

The Balding horse stables have produced a plethora of champion riders and horses, following in the legacy of Ian and Toby Balding before Andrew took over the reins. The likes of Causal Look, Kameko and Chaldean were all trained at the stables, along with four-time Group 1 winner Alcohol Free.

"He's surrounded by professional sportsmen here, not just Balding family members." He added. "With the environment we have here and we're lucky to train for a lot of professional sports people as well. So, he's been exposed to it from an early age. He’s not been short of advice and help!