Clare Balding's Insensitive Remark About Liam Treadwell's Teeth
BBC Sport pundit Clare Balding sparked widespread controversy in 2009 when she made an insensitive comment about Grand National-winning jockey Liam Treadwell's teeth during a live post-race interview. The remark, which came after Treadwell's victory on French-bred Mon Mome, led to nearly 2,000 complaints to the BBC and 39 complaints to broadcasting watchdog Ofcom.
During the interview, Balding, now 55, urged Treadwell to smile for the cameras, saying: "No, no, let's see your teeth. He hasn't got the best teeth in the world, but you can afford to go and get them done now if you like." Treadwell, who had kept his mouth shut during the exchange, responded: "Well I could do, but I ain't complaining. It might be bringing on bad luck if I do that, though."
Fallout and Apology
The comment upset Treadwell's mother, Lorraine, who said she was "shocked" by Balding's words. While acknowledging the remark "may have been a bit insensitive," she noted it "washed over" her son and added: "I almost feel a bit sorry for Clare with all the grief she's getting."
Balding later apologized directly to Treadwell, and the BBC issued a statement saying: "Clare Balding had no intention whatsoever of upsetting or embarrassing Liam Treadwell, but she fully accepts that she should not have raised the subject with him at that time. The BBC and Clare apologise for any offence caused."
Positive Outcome for Treadwell
Despite the controversy, the comment led to a favorable outcome for Treadwell. Offers to fix his teeth for free poured in, including from a dentist in Blackpool who had bet on him to win the National. Treadwell ultimately chose treatment at London's Knight Dental Design.
His case study on the clinic's website detailed the complexity of the procedure: "On assessing Liam's dentition it became obvious that his smile makeover would not be simple or quick" due to "missing teeth" and "retained deciduous teeth." A year later, Treadwell's smile was completely transformed. He later admitted: "It was the best thing Clare ever said."
