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Clare Balding OBE is one of the UK’s most recognisable and respected broadcasters, widely regarded as the first lady of TV sport.
An ex-champion jockey, Clare began her career as an amateur flat jockey, becoming Champion Lady Rider, before transitioning to broadcasting with her television debut at Royal Ascot. She has since covered some of the world’s biggest sporting events, including the Olympics, Paralympics, Wimbledon, and rugby league, and has hosted award-winning BBC programmes, radio shows, and high-profile events such as the BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
Clare’s versatility extends beyond sport, presenting shows from Countryfile to Crufts, Radio 4’s Rambling, and appearing on programmes such as Have I Got News For You, A Question of Sport, and Countdown. She has also written for The Observer, Stylist, Sunday Telegraph, and Racing Post.
As a speaker, Clare brings a wonderfully dry wit and effortless charm. Her talks—both after dinner and live Q&A sessions—draw on her experiences in sport, broadcasting, and life in the public eye, offering insights into resilience, adaptability, and elite mindsets, while entertaining audiences with stories from the saddle, run-ins with royalty, and the perils of live television.
Clare brings energy, professionalism, and charm to any event. With extensive experience hosting sporting events, awards ceremonies, and live broadcasts, she effortlessly engages audiences, manages proceedings with ease, and ensures every event runs smoothly while keeping guests entertained.
With a wonderfully dry wit, Clare shares her journey from champion jockey to award-winning broadcaster. Her talks entertain and inspire, drawing on stories from sport, broadcasting, and life in the public eye, offering insights into resilience, adaptability, and determination.
Clare was superb – great ad libs, read the mood of the audience well and looked after the sponsorship side smoothly. Clare was a great entertainer too.
Clare is an absolute star – she had done some home-work on the market and also made notes during dinner so that she could build an immediate rapport with her audience. She’s funny, compelling and engaging.
