Ian Black was born November 12, 1943 in the county of Berkshire, England. He grew up participating in pony clubs, horse shows and race riding steeplechase horses. In 1964, Ian accepted a job offer in Canada from Dinnie Burns and her sister Joan Addison. After 3 years, Ian moved on to become Frank Stronach’s first farm manager. He would hold this position for seven years.
In 1975, Ian started work as farm manager for Kinghaven Farms, where he would oversee the development of future stars from the day they were foaled until they left for serious training at the racetrack. In this role, Ian saw horses like Izvestia, With Approval and Poetically take their first steps towards glory.
A few years ago Kinghaven trimmed its breeding operation and Ian was in a position of flux. After discussing it with David Willmot it was decided that Ian would take over training of the racehorses.
In 2006 Ian won his first career race with his first starter, three year old Brandy Lake. The Meadowlake filly was one of three victories during the trainer’s rookie year. In the years to follow the stable had much success including Mike Fox winning the 2007 Queen's Plate, Rahy's Attorney winning the 2008 Grade 1 Woodbine Mile.
Since starting his training career, Ian's runners have earned over $17 million and include the following Stakes winners:
Rahy's Attorney ($2,120,208) Grade 1 Winner, Champion Turf Horse
Fifty Proof ($782,175) Graded Stakes Winner, Champion Older Horse
Stormy Lord ($1,162,828) Graded Stakes Winner
Excaper ($775,360) Graded Stakes Winner, 2nd Breeder's Cup Juvenile Turf
Glitter Rox ($594,261) Graded Stakes Winner
Seductively ($450,343) Graded Stakes Winner
Southdale ($391,103) Graded Stakes Winner
Really Sharp ($233,624) Graded Stakes Winner
Mike Fox ($656,561) Listed winner- 2007 Queen's Plate
Incredicat ($228,790)-Listed winner
US Marshal ($278,536)-Listed winner, Multiple graded Stakes placed
This year's success has included stakes wins by Red Cabernet and Dun Drum, both multiple stakes winners.
