Hello,
First of all, please accept my apologies for not replying personally to all of your e-mails. There was, understandably, a flood of complaints over my comment to Liam Treadwell about his teeth. Please know that I never intended any harm and did not draw attention to his teeth in any way to humiliate him. I actually thought he'd had his teeth knocked out and in a fall, so was trying to do something to show how tough jockeys are and how lacking in vanity compared to other professionals.
I realise that this did not come across as I intended and for that, I apologise. I made this clear to Liam on Saturday and spoke to him again on Monday morning, when he told me that he was fine about the whole thing, not at all offended - that had been my main worry as his feelings were the priority throughout.
The reason I did not make any other calls on Monday, did not appear on the radio to defend myself or make any further statements was that I was not in a fit position to do so. I was in hospital, having a cyst removed from my thyroid gland and being prepared for a general anaesthetic. I consequently missed most of the discussion.
Thanks to those who have remained supportive.
Best wishes,
Clare
Clare Balding was the first voice on BBC1 in 2006. As the fireworks display exploded over the Thames and around the London Eye.
Clare Balding was the first voice on BBC1 in 2006. As the fireworks display exploded over the Thames and around the London Eye, Clare was broadcasting to an audience of 10.1 million people who chose to see in the New Year on the BBC.
Clare is a television and radio broadcaster across a variety of programmes, including Crufts, the Lord Mayor’s Show, Trooping the Colour, the Olympics, Winter Olympics, Commonwealth Games, Sport Relief, Grandstand, Race Country, Housecall in the Country, Wimbledon on Radio 5 Live and Ramblings on Radio 4.
Clare has appeared on Have I Got News for You, The Weakest Link, Countdown, They Think It’s All Over, Call My Bluff, Auntie’s Sporting Bloomers and Sport Relief.
No-nonsense self-made millionaire Sir Alan Sugar is set to test the business skills of ten top celebrity candidates from the world of media, sport, politics and comedy...
One of the BBC’s main sports presenters, Clare fronts all its live racing coverage, including the Grand National, Royal Ascot, the Derby and l’Arc de Triomphe...