Clare Balding has thanked her fans for the outpouring of support she has received following the death of her dad, Ian.
The news of Ian Balding’s death was shared on January 2 on the Park House Stables Instagram page. Ian was 87 and a retired racehorse trainer.
The TV favourite shared her own statement on social media later that day. Now she has posted again, thanking fans for their support.
Death of Ian Balding – Clare Balding’s dad – announced
Earlier this month (January 2), a picture of Ian with his grandchildren – son Andrew’s kids Jonno, Toby and Flora – was shared alongside a statement.
It read: “We are deeply sorry to share the sad news that Ian Balding has passed away. A wonderful family man, a hugely successful racehorse trainer and a brilliant sportsman. He will be greatly missed by all at Park House.”
View this post on Instagram
‘So sad to read this’
Tributes poured in, with many sending their love and support to his family.
“Thoughts are with you all,” said one. “Thank you for a life so well-lived and for bringing these horses to their best for us to enjoy. Rest in peace,” said a second.
“My condolences to the Balding family,” another also shared. “Deeply saddened to reads this,” another then commented.
Clare then shared her own tribute. She included several snaps of her with her dad, including one of the star as a baby.
She captioned the post: “My dad was one of a kind. Fearless, funny and charming he was an all-round sportsman, a great trainer and a beautiful horseman. He loved his dogs, his horses and his family – probably in that order. He shared with me his passion for sport and taught me to be brave enough to chase a dream, even if it seemed impossible. We’ll miss him so much.”
View this post on Instagram
Alan Carr was among those sharing his condolences. He said: “Sending you so much love.” Charlotte Hawkins also shared: “So very sorry Clare, sending love.”
Zoe Ball said: “So much love and strength sent your way Clare. May your dad’s star shine brightest for you.” Claudia Winkleman also commented. She said: “Sending you all love.”
Clare thanks fans for their support
Posting a picture of her dad with a racehorse, she said: “This comes with a heartfelt thank you for the kindness of so many people after my father’s death. Many knew him, had met him or followed his horses. Others didn’t and were offering their support. Thank you.
“It has been a huge comfort to me and my family. We will always have wonderful memories of a man who knew and often said how lucky he was to live the life of his dreams.”
Gabby Logan, who lost her own dad this month, posted: “Lots of love.”
Tough love from her famous dad
Clare has previously spoken about her dad, revealing how he helped her to get “hooked” on horseracing.
Before launching a TV career, Clare started out as a jockey – but his approach was more than a little ‘tough love’ for the youngster.
Clare revealed that, aged 16, she had her first race. However, her trainer dad told her: “You looked like a sack of potatoes. You need to find a bit of muscle somewhere. You’ve got very porky. Lose it.”
Clare then told how she went on a crash diet, with the help of her dad, and blocked out the announcer’s comments that she was 3lb overweight for the race.
Looking back, she also explained that after hearing the roar from the grandstand for the first time, “it was such a thrill, such a total rush of adrenaline, that I became instantly hooked on racing”.
Read more: Clare Balding makes major lifestyle change following heartbreaking death
So what do you think? Leave your condolences on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix.