McCririck to sue Channel 4 for £3m

Racing pundit John McCririck is to sue Channel 4 for £3m (€3.7m) claiming the broadcaster axed him from its racing coverage because he was too old.

The broadcaster, however, said it was intent on “vigorously defending” claims of ageism by the 72-year-old.

The presenter was dropped when the station unveiled its new presenting team headed by Clare Balding on New Year’s Day.

Mr McCririck has previously criticised the decision by Channel 4 to award the contract to produce the racing coverage to IMG Sports Media, ending its previous agreement with Highflyer.

In a statement he said: “Channel 4 and production company IMG Sports Media were yesterday each served a letter before action for age discrimination.

“After 29 years with Channel 4 Racing, on a rolling annual contract, I have been sacked without any consultation or cogent explanation. I am 72.

“For loss of future earnings, unfair career damaging, public humiliation, stress and mental anguish, I will be seeking £500,000.

“Ageism is illegal. For tens of thousands of employees it has become the feared scourge of our society.

“This litigation should prove to be a watershed.

“I am seeking a further exemplary, punitive £2.5m, part of which will be don-ated to charitable organisations helping to prevent negative prejudice in the workplace.”

Mr McCririck said he was being represented on a no-win no-fee basis by employment and sports law specialist solicitor Stephen Beverley, of the London West End Cavendish Legal Group. .

A Channel 4 spokesw-oman said: “We are grateful to John McCririck for his contribution towards the success of Channel 4 Racing over many years. However, we reject the suggestion that discrimination on the basis of age played any part in the decision not to renew his freelance contract and we will be vigorously defending this claim.”