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The Penguin Podcast: Clare Balding

Clare Balding joins Richard E. Grant to talk about her first children’s book The Racehorse Who Wouldn’t Gallop

27 July 2016

Clare brings along a number of objects that inspired her book, including her family jockey silks and her Olympic torch from the 2012 Games, as she explains why children love stories about ponies and why she was determined to write a book with a girl-power message.

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The Racehorse Who Wouldn't Gallop

  • The Racehorse Who Wouldn't Gallop

    Charlie Bass

  • Charlie Bass is a horse-mad ten-year-old who dreams of owning her own pony. So when she accidentally manages to buy a racehorse, Charlie is thrilled.

    The horse she buys, Noble Warrior, looks the part: strong, fit and healthy. There's just one problem - he won't gallop. In fact, he won't even leave his stable without his best friend, a naughty palomino pony called Percy.

    Charlie is convinced that Noble Warrior has what it takes to be a champion. But can she prove it? Derby Day is fast approaching and only a win can save the family farm from being repossessed.

    The stakes couldn't be higher for the Basses. Can Charlie turn her chaotic family into a top training team? Can Noble Warrior overcome his nerves? Will Percy the pony ever stop farting?

    Find out in this classic, funny animal story, perfect for fans of Dick King-Smith and Gerald Durrell.

  • Buy the book

Read more

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Games & activities

What is your racehorse name?

Do you wish you had a racehorse like Noble Warrior from The Racehorse Who Wouldn't Gallop? Now you can pick your own racehorse name by following these fun instructions!
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