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Clare Balding

August 21, 2026 · 38 min

Show notes

Matt Baker and the Petcast caravan return to the Good Woof Festival at Goodwood in West Sussex to meet broadcaster, Crufts presenter and former champion jockey Clare Balding. Clare reflects on a life immersed in animals, from early memories with Candy the boxer and riding Shetland pony Valkyrie - formerly owned by the Queen - to her family’s racing heritage, including her mother running a stud, her brother training 250 horses, and an emotional celebration of her father’s life featuring his horses and silks.


She discusses how dogs and horses respond honestly to people, her years covering the Olympics and the power of storytelling in broadcasting, and life with Archie the Tibetan terrier, chosen due to Alice’s allergies and later made reactive after an early attack. Clare also takes part in the Petcast quiz and shares details of her British-made, hypoallergenic, low-foam dog grooming range, Unconditional Love.


This episode is sponsored by Harringtons.


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