Clare Balding has revealed the one piece of music she wants played at her funeral: the theme from Black Beauty. The broadcaster, known for covering the Grand National and Wimbledon, discussed her choice while reflecting on her relationship with her late father, Ian Balding, a racehorse trainer and cricket enthusiast.
Funeral Music and Bonding Over Sport
Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Inheritance Tracks last year, Balding said she imagines 'galloping off the planet' to the Black Beauty theme. The 1877 novel by Anna Sewell has been adapted into several films, and the music holds deep personal meaning for her. She explained that sport was a way to connect with her father: 'If the cricket was on, he would be watching all five days of a test match. So I needed to know about cricket. Obviously, I needed to know about horses.'
Balding admitted she 'wasn't really into' horse racing initially, despite her father's profession. Her interest grew when she started riding in races at age 16, eventually becoming an amateur flat jockey. She said she felt 'very comfortable' on horseback and could 'communicate with animals,' often humming or singing to them.
Olympic Aspirations and Animal Connection
Balding shared that she aspired to compete in the Olympics and felt the horse was the 'one thing' she could do well. She added, 'I've always said I want it at my funeral. I can sort of imagine galloping off the planet, off the earth, to that music.'
The broadcaster also issued an apology for causing her brother Andrew's 'worst injury' as a child. Recalling the incident, she told Yours magazine: 'We were climbing on bales in the barn, and there was a rope hanging from the roof. I thought it would be fun to pretend to be Tarzan and swing on the rope. I managed it successfully, but Andrew let go of the rope and fell to the ground, breaking his leg. I probably didn't say sorry enough at the time, so I'll say it now.'
Life Lessons and Family Reflections
Balding, now 54, spoke about the 'life lessons' she has gathered, ranging from choosing friends carefully to making the 'most of it' and her belief that 'animals are heroes.' Her comments on Inheritance Tracks and in the magazine interview offer a personal glimpse into her family dynamics and the role of sport and animals in her life.
