Andrew became the licensed trainer at Kingsclere in January 2003 when he succeeded his father Ian, to whom he had been assistant since 1999. Born in London in 1972, Andrew hails from a family that is steeped in racing history. His great grandfather Aubrey Hastings was the trainer of no fewer than four Grand National winners, including Ascetic Silver who he rode himself to win the great race in 1907. His Grandfathers, Gerald Balding and Peter Hastings- Bass both trained with great success and as well as his father, his uncles Toby Balding and William Huntingdon have enjoyed training winners at the highest level.
After leaving Cirencester College, Andrew joined Toby Balding’s Fyfield Stables as the yard’s amateur jockey. In just over one hundred rides he rode 20 winners under rules, which included winning The Horse and Hound Cup and The Moet and Chandon at Epsom.
In 1997 Andrew joined the Yorkshire based trainer Lynda Ramsden for two seasons. During this time he was closely associated with horses such as Nuclear Debate, Hawksley Hill, Bishops Court and Top Cees. The latter named joined the Kingsclere team when Lynda Ramsden stopped training in 1998 and Andrew returned home to assist his father.
Since taking over the licence in 2003, Andrew has enjoyed group 1 success in England, Dubai, Hong Kong and Canada. In 2005 he was awarded the International Trainer of the Year, at the HWPA Derby lunch.