BBC Sport presenter Clare Balding has been paying tribute to her uncle and Grand National-winning trainer Toby Balding, who has died at the age of 78.

"He was so big and warm-hearted and kind and generous. He loved everybody and he loved life. Even after he had his first stroke he still wanted to go to races. Last November at Towcester, when A P McCoy rode his 4,000th winner, in the back of the shot in the winner's enclosure you could see uncle Toby, he was there!

Getty Images Copyright: Getty Images Legendary trainer Toby Balding was awarded an OBE in the 2011 New Year Honours list Image caption: Legendary trainer Toby Balding was awarded an OBE in the 2011 New Year Honours list

"The way he hugged you he really wanted to let you know he was thinking of you, to let you know he was pleased to see you. He loved family occasions - we have a big family and he was the leader.

"He was a genius with horses. You think of Highland Wedding and Little Polveir who won the Grand National, but also Beech Road, who was a tricky horse, and Morley Street, who was probably the best horse he ever trained - he won the Champion Hurdle with both of those. And the making of jockeys... A P McCoy I know is really upset and Adrian Maguire is too. He gave people a chance."