The BBC has apologised to Grand National winner Liam Treadwell, from Arundel in West Sussex, after presenter Clare Balding made fun of his teeth.

In a post-race interview, Balding urged the jockey to show his teeth and told him he could afford to "get them done" after winning the biggest race of his life.

Balding urged Treadwell "just give us a big grin to the camera".

When he smiled, keeping his lips firmly closed, she told him: "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 looked embarrassed, replied: "Well I could do, but I ain't complaining. It might be bringing on bad luck if I do that, though."

The comment prompted a storm of protest. One angry viewer posting on the BBC's website said: "When Liam Treadwell has just won one of the most dangerous horseraces it is incredible that all Clare Balding could do was comment about his teeth - how about a simple congratulation?"

Mr Treadwell's mother also said she was "shocked" by the remarks - but added they had "just washed over" her son.

Lorraine Treadwell said: "If I am totally honest, when I saw the interview live I was a bit shocked, then I thought to myself, I don't care, Liam has just won the Grand National, that's all I care about."

She added: "I almost feel a bit sorry for Clare with all the grief she's getting."

A BBC spokeswoman said: "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. Clare has also apologised directly to Liam Treadwell."

Treadwell, 23, who won Saturday's race on 100-1 outsider Mon Mome, told the Daily Mail that Balding had apologised by text message.

He added: "Of course it was the wrong thing for her to say."