Written by: Grace Lee

Clare Balding: The Renowned Broadcast Journalist and Author

Clare Balding is a highly acclaimed English broadcast journalist and author, best known for her outstanding work in presenting sports programs for BBC Sport, Channel 4, and BT Sport. With a career spanning over two decades, she has established herself as a household name in the world of sports broadcasting, particularly in the UK.

Early Life and Education

Born on January 29, 1971, Clare Balding hails from a family with a rich history in horse racing. Her father, Ian Balding, is a renowned horse trainer, and her maternal grandfather, Peter Hastings-Bass, was a trainer as well. Clare's younger brother, Andrew Balding, is also a horse trainer. She was educated at the prestigious Downe House School in Berkshire, where she was the head girl and a contemporary of comedian Miranda Hart. The two are, in fact, tenth cousins, sharing a nine-times great-grandfather in Sir William Leveson-Gower, 4th Baronet.

Clare Balding applied to read law at Christ's College, Cambridge, but after failing her interview, she realized that law was not her true calling. She later successfully applied to Newnham College, Cambridge, and went on to read English. During her university days, she was the President of the Cambridge Union Society in Easter 1992 and graduated in 1993 with a 2:1 honors degree.

Racing Background and Memoir

Before venturing into broadcasting, Clare Balding was an accomplished amateur flat jockey. She was the Champion Lady Rider in 1990 and rode professionally from 1988 to 1993. Her memoir, My Animals and Other Family, which documents her life growing up in a racing yard, won the National Book Award for Autobiography of the Year in 2012. The book provides a unique insight into her childhood, her love for animals, and her experiences as a female jockey in a male-dominated sport.

Broadcasting Career and Honors

Clare Balding's broadcasting career has been nothing short of remarkable. She has presented several high-profile sports programs, including the Olympic Games, the Commonwealth Games, and the Rugby World Cup. Her warm and engaging style has endeared her to audiences, making her one of the most popular sports presenters in the UK.

Her honors and awards include the Sports Journalist of the Year award at the British Sports Journalism Awards in 2013 and the Presenter of the Year award at the Royal Television Society Awards in 2013. She was also appointed as the 30th president of the Rugby Football League, serving a two-year term until December 2022.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Clare Balding is openly gay and has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. She has been in a civil partnership with her partner, Alice Arnold, since 2006. Clare is also a passionate animal lover and has supported several animal welfare charities, including the RSPCA and the Blue Cross.

In conclusion, Clare Balding is a highly respected and accomplished broadcast journalist and author, known for her outstanding work in sports broadcasting and her contributions to the world of horse racing. Her warm and engaging personality, combined with her exceptional knowledge of sports, has made her a household name in the UK.

• Net Worth: Estimated to be around £1.5 million
• Awards: Sports Journalist of the Year (2013), Presenter of the Year (2013), National Book Award for Autobiography of the Year (2012)
• Philanthropy: Supports several animal welfare charities, including the RSPCA and the Blue Cross
• Personal Milestone: Appointed as the 30th president of the Rugby Football League (2020-2022)