Pundit McCririck defends ‘gravitas’ to tribunal

John McCririck’s appearances as a pantomime villain in reality TV shows did nothing to reduce his gravitas as a serious racing pundit and journalist, he has told an employment tribunal.

McCririck, 73, said his image as a bigot and a sexist had gone side-by-side with his image as a highbrow journalist and denied it had ever damaged the sport of horse racing.

The presenter, renowned for his bling, sideburns and deerstalker hat, is taking former employer Channel 4 and TV production company IMG Media to the tribunal, alleging his sacking last year was motivated by age discrimination.