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Mumsnet webchats

Clare Balding - Live webchat on Monday 9 July, 1.30 - 2.30

151 replies

RachelMumsnet · 05/07/2012 09:42

We're delighted that Clare Balding is joining us for a live webchat next Monday 9 July at 1.30pm. Clare has been a presenter, writer and broadcaster for more than 15 years. Since becoming the face of the BBC's racing coverage in 1998 she's become known as one of Britain's leading sports presenters, and has gone on to work on four Olympic Games, three Paralympics and three Winter Olympics. From horse racing to rugby league, swimming to golf or to tennis, she is renowned for being able to turn her hand to any sport.

Since 2010 Clare has hosted Crufts for the BBC, and on More4, and has become established as one of the UK's leading presenters of live major events, such as the Lord Mayor's Show and Trooping the Colour. Clare will be presenting on the London 2012 Olympics for the BBC and hosting the Paralympics for Channel 4.

This September, Clare will release My Animals and Other Family, a funny and tender memoir of her early years, the pets and animals around her and the life lessons they taught her.

Put the date in your diary to join Clare next Monday, 9 July at 1.30 pm or post your question in advance on this thread.

OP posts:
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BIWItheBold · 05/07/2012 09:50

Fab! I think Clare is brilliant. Will think of a suitable question

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Saltire · 05/07/2012 09:52

I like her too, except sometimes her choice of hats at Ascot are a bit erm...well. The one she wore on the last day, sorry but it was awful.

I'm not asking a question though, mine always get ignored Grin

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ShowOfHands · 05/07/2012 09:54

Oh I like Clare. She is really quite wonderful. Which isn't a question at all is it? Och well, I haven't had my second tea just yet.

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thebestisyettocome · 05/07/2012 10:02

I love Clare Balding.

I probably won't be able to make the live webchat but I'd like to ask her if she loves Rugby League as much as she appears to.

If I am allowed a second question I'd like to ask who her favourite player is and does she have a 'crush' on Kevin Sinfield ? Grin

Clare, the banter between you and the RL pundits and players is worth the licence fee alone.

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Merrylegs · 05/07/2012 10:10

I like Clare too - I follow her on Twitter (not a stalker). I like how she is so good at her job and v professional.

BUT despite the fact I am a fan and I think she is bloody marv. I do wonder whether she will have any commentating duties on the Grand National next year? She did a really good build up and story of According To Pete and then it all ended tragically. Also, Clare, are you really a fan of Crufts?

(Sorry, I know these are v predictable questions but I think you talk A Lot Of Sense and would really like to know your views)

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lilibet · 05/07/2012 14:00

Hi Clare

Another Rugby League question, this time from a Wiganer.

When you started presenting rugby league my husband rolled his eyes and was generally very dismissive, now he thinks that you are wonderful and do really seem to love the game and to know your stuff, I of course knew that you were wonderful all along and it's good to be proven right.

Do you think that the RFL should take some of the blame for the Bradford Bulls situation seeing that they granted them a licence 12 months ago?

Follow up question - next time you are within arm's reach of Robbie Hunter Paul would you please give his bum a pinch from me.

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lilibet · 05/07/2012 14:02

And that should of course have read Robbie Hunter Paul. I was over come at the thought! Grin

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thestringcheesemassacre · 05/07/2012 14:21

She's amazing. I think the best sports presenter in the country.

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sanguinechompa · 05/07/2012 17:08

Thank you Mumsnet Towers!! Can't wait!!

Agree Clare Balding is one of the best presenters around (and not irritating or silly or fluttering their eye lashes like a lot of 'em)

Question:
I'm horse-mad, pro-eventing and national hunt racing, but the sad deaths of horses at the Grand National this year gave me pause for thought. What was your reaction? It was a controversial subject on this forum, see this thread and I had a hard time defending the racing industry given the circumstances. What are your views and what do you think should happen next year given that more "safety" measures seem to lead to more fatalities?

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Popilol · 05/07/2012 20:45

Another huge Clare fan here - she rocks! Multiple and potentially endless questions:

Do you find it strange referring to / interviewing your brother?

Do you have a stylist / adviser? (So many great outfits but just loved the coat worn on the Jubilee river pageant barge and e-mailed the designer to ask about UK stockists!)

Think there is a book due out in September - is it an autobiography?

This is meant as a compliment so please don't take it the wrong way - my husband and I have a standing joke that Clare Balding, Aled Jones and Steve Rider are the same person (think it's the hair!) and you never see them together at the same time - have you ever been together with any of the others?

The Sue Barker sketch with Miranda for Comic Relief was brilliant - any others planned?

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threeolivemartini · 05/07/2012 21:44

I love Clare (and I'm not really a sports fan). Sadly I will be at work when she is on MN.

Clare, I love Ramblings (particularly ones with dogs, even though I no longer have mine ) I like feeling like I'm having a bracing walk even when I'm lying in bed early in the morning or doing something mundane around the house.
What has been your favourite walk on that programme?

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iceandsliceplease · 05/07/2012 21:51

I bloody love Claire! She's so professional, but at the same time so warm and human that she's my imaginary best friend... that is, I imagine that if we ever met, we would so be best friends, not that I lay an extra place for her at dinner, or ask an empty space next to me 'What do you think, Claire?', whilst everyone near me edges away nervously.

Ermmmm, tries to think of a question...

Right!

Did you make any progress on getting Kim Clijsters to be your new best friend as you said you would during Wimbledon last year/maybe the year before? If not, I may have a vacancy...

I know you're great on the tellybox, but I really love you more on Radio 5, especially when you giggle - which do you prefer to do, and why?

You are so enthusiastic about the sports you cover, which are so wide-ranging. Are you enthusiastic about a sport first and then learn to cover it, or do you get enthusiastic once you have been following it/working on it?

AA Gill... Gosh he's a * * (would like to expand on that, but don't want this deleted, and would like you to reply!). I was so impressed with how you handled that situation. Were you satisfied with the end result of that nastiness, or would you like to see that more is done to combat lazy homophobia in the media (without necessarily spearheading a campaign yourself!). For what it's worth, I think a lot of people gained new respect for you and new disdain for him.

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fivegomadindorset · 05/07/2012 21:53

Try again, sadly due to work will not be able to do this live. I was on your brother's course at college.

I love ramblings and if you ever want to ramble down here in Dorset in some stunning country side then let us know.

A difficult one, what has been your outstanding sporting moment that you have witnessed?

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fivegomadindorset · 05/07/2012 21:55

Oh and regrading the National, personally I think a smaller field would help with the safety issue, what is your opinion on this? (the horse my mother has a share in pulled up at the 11th, the breeder said it was the most terrifying experience of her life and never again).

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Chubfuddler · 05/07/2012 21:56

I felt for Clare commentating on the grand national this year. According to Pete's owner was nearly in tears before they even started (poand people) and her comment about synchronised turned out to be horribly prescient. how do you cope with situations like that Clare?

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Solsti · 06/07/2012 08:03

Huge fan of Clare's and will greatly miss her insightful commentary on the Grand National on the Beeb.

Having just had to have me beloved horse put to sleep aged 10 due to high grade Wobblers, I would love to know who was her horse of a lifetime and why?

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cm22v077 · 06/07/2012 17:03

Hi Clare,
Great to have you on here, I follow you on twitter, your #traintolondon tweets were hilarious- we want more! How do you feel about using these social networks? Have you witnessed much abuse on there?
Also, how challenging was commentating on the flotilla event? Will you be helping to cover the olympics too?

Sorry, a few questions there!

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cm22v077 · 06/07/2012 17:09

Oh and what's you most embarrassing TV broadcast moment? You must have one!

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CaveMum · 06/07/2012 19:21

Hi Clare, another racing fan (and worker) here.

I've been trying to spread the gospel about Frankel, can you sum up for all the non-racing Mumsnetters just how unbelievable he is and why they should book their tickets for Goodwood, York and Ascot now!

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bestemor · 06/07/2012 20:43

I'm not really a big sports fan but hearing your voice almost makes me wish I was - you sound enthusiastic, authoritative and warm all at the same time!

However, I do wonder what was in your mind that time when Wales had beaten England to win the Grand Slam (I'm talking Rugby Union here, of course) and in the Sports slot on "Today" you didn't even mention it!

Was it English nationalism or Rugby League chauvinism, - or was it just to annoy John Humphrys?

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Kveta · 07/07/2012 17:57

I'm sure we sat at the table next to Clare in Wagamamas on the South Bank last May, it was pissing with rain that saturday :o

Clare, which event that you commentate on have you enjoyed most? Crufts, the Jubilee flotilla, the Grand National, or something else?

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GobblersKnob · 07/07/2012 19:00

Hi Clare, we see you every year at Crufts reading lines before you go live, you are the only famous person that ds (7) recognises and he always gets very excited when you are on the telly Grin

Do you think the coverage for Crufts will ever go back to the BBC or is the rift with the Kennel club too great?

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MmeLindor. · 07/07/2012 19:11

I follow you on Twitter and am pleased that you often talk about women in sports, and how they are sidelined. The fact that a horse is more likely to win Sports Personality of the Year than a woman riles me immensely.

Do you have any advice for young girls who are hoping to make a career in sports, either as participants or as journalists? Was there one decision you made that helped you be taken more seriously as a sports journalist?

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FellatioNelson · 07/07/2012 20:05

Hello Claire, I don't really have a question but I just wanted to say I think you are fabulous. You are quite possibly a National Treasure. Everyone loves you.

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NaturalNatures · 07/07/2012 20:52

Hello Clare, I think you're great too and would have asked MmeLindors question so....

How difficult is it being a woman in your line of work?

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