Clare Balding's snub and six-word comment speak volumes after BBC let Boat Race rights go

Clare Balding's snub and six-word comment speak volumes after BBC let Boat Race rights goClare Balding has made it clear why the Boat Race is so close to her heart in a completely contrasting view to BBC bossesCommentsSportMark Whiley Sports Writer08:30, 04 Apr 2026View 3 ImagesClare Balding has followed the Boat Race to Channel 4(Image: Getty)Clare Balding once snubbed the Grand National to front coverage of the Boat Race before summing up the enduring appeal of the Oxford-Cambridge clash. Balding will again anchor coverage of the historic Thames race, but this time on Channel 4 after the BBC controversially gave up the rights.‌The race was initially televised by the BBC in 1938 after the corporation had brought it to the airwaves via radio in 1927. ITV covered it from 2005 until 2009, while this is Channel 4's first foray into the event.‌Balding has regularly hosted both the Grand National and the Boat Race, meaning she has had to make tough decisions when the iconic events have clashed. In 2015, when they were held on the same day, she snubbed the horse racing for historic reasons.‌She told the Telegraph at the time: "I've worked on 21 Grand Nationals and, of course, it's an amazing and huge event. But this is the first ever Women's Boat Race on the Tideway to be televised live. That is enormous. This won't come round again. There won't be a second first time."JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! All the best sports news and much more on our dedicated Facebook pageHaving rowed in her university days, the Boat Race is close to Balding's heart. She is also well aware of the event's popularity, telling the British Rowing website in 2018: "It always gets a massive audience." She added: "You know you're doing something that matters to a lot of people."‌READ MORE: Three BBC stars lose Boat Race jobs as new line-up confirmed after TV rights changeREAD MORE: Boat Race 2026 start time, route, TV channel, full...