Heartbreak for Clare Balding as she pays tribute to her ‘one-of-a-kind’ dad Ian after his death aged 87

Clare credited her father for getting her ‘hooked’ on racing

Support has poured in for Clare Balding and her family after the death of her dad, Ian, was announced.

The news was shared this morning (January 2) on the Park House Stables Instagram page. Ian was 87 and a retired racehorse trainer.

Now, the TV favourite has shared her own statement on social media.

Clare Balding credits her dad with getting her ‘hooked’ on horseracing (Credit: ITV)

Death of Ian Balding – Clare Balding’s dad – announced

Earlier today (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.”

‘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.”

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.”

Ian Balding was a respected horse trainer (Credit: YouTube)

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”.