Local racing pundit, Clare Balding 'married' her long time love and fellow BBC broadcaster Alice Arnold in a civil ceremony at Chiswick House last Friday.

The couple, who have been living together in Clare's Chiswick home for the past three years, decided it was time to formalise their relationship with Clare stating that she wanted to ensure that Alice was properly cared for should anything happen to her. 

The Chiswick House reception was attended by friends from the BBC and family members including Clare's father Ian, the ex-racing trainer of the Queen and her uncle Toby, also a prominent trainer.

Clare, who regularly walks her dog in Chiswick House Grounds, is best known for presenting BBC’s horse racing coverage, Olympics, rugby league and show jumping.  She is also a committed member of the local community and recently took part in Chiswick House Trust's forum for dog walkers. 

Her 'bride' Alice Arnold first came into the public eye as the partner of comedienne, radio presenter and fellow Chiswickian Sandi Toksvig. Alice trained as an actress and appeared in productions ranging from Evita to As You Like It before joining the BBC radio drama company in 1988. After bumping into Peter Donaldson at a drinks do over 11 years, she joined the Radio 4 presentation team where she remains. 

September 20, 2006