Racing fans will be able to watch action from Newbury and Warwick for free on New Year’s Eve, thanks to subscription channel Racing UK.

It comes after Channel 4 Racing confirmed its coverage would end on 27 December with racing from Kempton and the Welsh Grand National at Chepstow.

With the switch in racing coverage from Channel 4 to ITV kicking off on New Year’s Day at Cheltenham, it means there will be no scheduled racing coverage on New Year’s Eve on terrestrial television for the first Saturday in recent history. Logistical issues with the handover of equipment to ITV are said to be the reason for the TV blackout.

Racing UK jumped to the rescue and is set to show action from Newbury’s high-quality card — featuring the Grade One Betfred Challow Hurdle — and Warwick for no subscription fee.

“I am delighted that Racing UK is pulling out all the stops to make sure that as many people as possible, who can’t make it to Newbury in person, will be able to enjoy the racing live,” said Andy Clifton, head of communications at Newbury racecourse.

ITV, the new home of racing, is set to show 41 days of live racing action throughout the year on its main channel, produced by ITV Sport — including the major meetings from the Cheltenham Festival, Grand National, Royal Ascot, Epsom, all five Classics plus other highlights such as Champion’s Day at Ascot and more.

The new four-year deal to broadcast racing in the UK on terrestrial television will include almost 100 days of racing — split between ITV’s main channel and ITV4.

There will be a re-introduction of a free-to-air broadcast of the Craven meeting at Newmarket in April as part of ITV4’s coverage.

The new on-screen faces include Ed Chamberlin as main presenter, and his co-presenter during the Flat season will be Francesca Cumani, while Matt Chapman will be the betting reporter.

The channel has racing experts on board including AP McCoy, Hayley Turner, Mick Fitzgerald, Jason Weaver, Luke Harvey, Brian Gleeson and Brough Scott.

Meanwhile, both Frankie Dettori and Victoria Pendleton are also included in the new line-up and Rishi Persad, Sally-Ann Grassick and Alice Plunkett all have reporting roles — with Richard Hoiles as the lead commentator and ITV weather expert Lucy Verasamy providing weather updates.

Channel 4 Racing’s current morning show, The Morning Line, is set to be replaced with ITV’s Saturday morning ‘magazine show’ called The Opening Show — on ITV4 from 10am-11am — and it will be hosted by Oli Bell.

ITV released its promotional video on 2 December and it was shown on the main channel in the advert breaks during both the I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here and X Factor finals (watch video, above).

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Fancy yourself as a budding TV presenter? From wardrobe dilemmas to clocking up the driving miles and keeping tabs on Twitter, Gina Harding tells H&H what it's like to front a show watched by 550,000 people

How did you get into TV presenting?

I grew up riding horses and after graduating from Cambridge University with a degree in languages, I applied to further my knowledge of the thoroughbred industry through the Darley Flying Start training programme. It is a two-year course, sponsored by Sheikh Mohammed, which incorporates training in all areas of the racing and breeding business working within the Darley operations in the UK, Ireland, USA, Australia and Dubai.

During the course, I decided I wanted to work in the media and when I graduated began working for At The Races initially in a dual marketing and presenting role before gaining enough experience to set up as a freelance broadcaster and starting with Channel 4 Racing.

What do you enjoy most about the job… and any bad parts?

I love the variety. One day you could be filming mares and foals at a stud farm and the next interviewing the winner of the Derby. The miles clocked up travelling around the country and constant time away from home can be tough at times.

What kind of planning goes into covering a raceday? Do you rehearse?

The nature of covering live sport means that there is very little opportunity to rehearse or plan too much. You have to be able to react on the spot to the action unfolding in front of you. The preparation that goes into a day largely involves making sure you are abreast of any relevant news or back stories involving certain horses or connections. Even then, you can guarantee that the big outsider you know least about will pop up and win!

Can you outline a typical day of filming?

A regular Saturday on Channel 4 will generally start early with The Morning Line show. After an overnight stay, I try to arrive on the racecourse at 6.30am to allow the hair and makeup department plenty of time to make me look human! I will have already made notes on the running order for the show the night before and researched whatever guests we have on the sofa that morning to save a bit of time.

For the afternoon show, we start with a production meeting at 10am to discuss the outline of that afternoon’s broadcast before starting pre-records at around 1pm to go live for 1.30pm.

Before the show I will keep tabs on any news coming through on Twitter in addition to speaking to the clerk of the course about the conditions for that afternoon. Once we go live, it is a case of making sure you are in the right place at the correct time to get the relevant interviews or news required.

How do you choose what to wear? How do you combine practicality with style?

It has taken me a while to hone the skill of dressing for any eventuality but I think filling my car with a variety of coats, thermal layers and different footwear has finally paid off!

Deciding what to wear takes up an unhealthy amount of my time not to mention my bank balance. It’s important to look smart but also practical for the variety of tasks required of a racing broadcaster.

I have had many epic fails on this front most notably when having to walk a mile across the Knavesmire at York alongside the long striding Brown Panther to interview his groom, wearing silver stilettos.  I like to think I am learning from my mistakes though and the flats were definitely on for this year’s crossing!

How much research/homework do you do on the lead up to a meeting?

The nature of covering racing means you pretty much have to be watching racing and keeping up to date with the form every single day.

Your audience is so knowledgeable that you can’t get away with not being on the ball. In addition to that I would spend a few hours going through the form of a specific racecard the night before.

Can you summarise your typical working week?

I cover around 50 racedays a year for Channel 4 Racing so if we are working on a specific festival such as Royal Ascot, Glorious Goodwood or the Cheltenham Festival that will take up much of the week.

If not, a typical week would usually involve working for Channel 4 Racing on Saturday in addition to going out filming a feature at a trainer’s yard for example earlier in the week. I might do two days for At The Races either on the racecourse somewhere like Lingfield or in their studio in Milton Keynes.

Around those commitments I often host corporate race days and also work for Tattersalls producing video news reports of their major thoroughbred sales. I try to keep Sundays free and any other days off usually involve going to the gym, catching up on admin and stressing about what to wear at work!

Don’t miss all our racing coverage from Cheltenham, Newbury and Sandown in the current issue of Horse & Hound magazine (7 January 2016)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Racing is to be broadcast by ITV next year.

The channel will take over from Channel 4 airing the sport from 1 January 2017, after the broadcaster won the tender process for a new four-year term.

ITV will show nearly 100 days of racing annually, with the major events such as the Cheltenham Festival, Grand National meeting, Derby Festival, Royal Ascot, British Champions Day, Goodwood, York’s Ebor and the St Leger on the main channel.

Niall Sloane, ITV director of sport, said the broadcaster was “delighted” to be the home of British racing from 2017.

“We want our coverage to reach not only its loyal, core audience, but beyond, by capturing the full enjoyment of this most wonderful of sports,” he added.

ITV will show a minimum of 34 fixtures on ITV main channel and 60 on ITV4, as well as a magazine preview programme broadcast each Saturday morning on ITV4.

“ITV has made a strong and compelling four-year commitment to British horseracing. ITV places itself at the heart of popular culture and we look forward to working closely with the broadcaster in ensuring racing remains in this fantastic shop window,” said Richard FitzGerald, of Racecourse Media Group (RMG).

“This is a great opportunity for everyone in the industry to support ITV in jointly promoting the sport and telling the stories throughout the year to as wide an audience as possible. The unprecedented level of interest in the tender shows what an attractive proposition the sport is. This is reflected in the new deal, which will generate increased revenues for racing.

“We would like to thank Channel 4 for the huge support they have given horse racing over the years, and particularly their investment in coverage over the last three years. Channel 4 has been a fantastic partner for British racing and we look forward to continuing to work together in delivering a captivating and enthralling year ahead.”

For H&H columnist Richard Johnson’s thoughts on the change don’t miss the next issue of H&H, out Thursday 7 January.

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The 2016 Grand National will be run at the later time of 5.15pm, in order to increase the race’s TV audience.

The race has been put back by an hour to “provide an opportunity for more racing fans to watch and listen to the greatest chase in the world, live on Channel 4 and other global media outlets”.

The 2015 race — won by Many Clouds and Leighton Aspell — was watched by 8.9m people on Channel 4, with more than 600m viewers worldwide.

Research has shown that the later time may maximise an even bigger domestic and global TV audience, which will make the race more accessible to watch live. It has also demonstrated that most people don’t currently know the start time is at 4.15, which has also been shown by research on most UK sports events.

“The Grand National is one of the greatest sporting occasions in the world and one of the most-watched TV events of the year. This move will place the National as the fitting climax of the three-day festival, showcasing the race for the widest possible audience and in the most spectacular fashion,” said Ed Havard of Channel 4.

John Baker, regional director of the Jockey Club North West, added: “This is a very positive move for the Crabbie’s Grand National and we’re excited about the possibility of showcasing the greatest chase in the world to a wider national and global audience.

“We’re always keen to explore ways to grow and enhance this superb three-day Festival and we believe that in collaboration with our broadcast partner, Channel 4, and with the backing of the British Horseracing Authority, this is another extremely positive step forward for the ‘People’s Race’.”

A handicap hurdle for conditional and amateur jockeys will be run after the Grand National.

The 2016 Crabbie’s Grand National will be run at 5.15pm on Saturday 9 April.

For more information visit: www.thecrabbiesgrandnational.co.uk

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

One highlight of the cold winter months for any National Hunt fan is spending Saturday afternoon on the sofa watching Channel 4 Racing. But what does it take to produce live action from the races every weekend, H&H were fortunate enough to go behind the scenes at Ascot to find out...

Preparing to go live on air

All the filming takes place in the studio truck, which has a pop-out side to allow for extra space. Final preparations for The Morning Line going on air at 8am are underway. Each presenter is given an earpiece — through which the director Denise Large and producer Sophie Veats can prompt while the show is live. Rishi Persad is hosting the show and sits alongside Mick Fitzgerald and studio guests trainer Dan Skelton and jockey Tom Scudamore.

The nucleus of Channel 4 Racing

Just a few cables here — all of the technical goings-on happen in the scanner, a separate truck located the otherside of the racecourse from the studio truck.

21 different screens

Both Denise and Sophie, along with the gallery PA, Lynne, are also sat in the scanner truck — in front of an astounding 21 screens. Throughout the show Denise will prompt the team with which camera shots need to be used.

Breakfast time

Once The Morning Line has gone off air, it is time for some re-fuelling and courtesy of Ascot racecourse, a full English breakfast is on the menu.

The production meeting

The afternoon’s producer, Jim Ramsey, arrives along with Rishi’s co-host Gina Harding for the production meeting at 10am. Amid plenty of laughter and joking around, the team work their way through the afternoon show’s script, making sure everyone is — literally — on the same page.

Video making

All morning the creative team, also located in the scanner truck, work on the video montages, which often open the afternoon show. Footage is collected from around the course all morning, including the trainers, jockeys and racegoers arriving. The team sift through the footage and decide what they want to use in the final video.

Preparations for going on air again

The team are back on the sofa by 1.30pm for the countdown to the afternoon’s action. Their make-up is touched up by make-up artist Charlotte. The presenters have a final look through the script, while Rishi also writes his opening scripts — the presenters never use autocue on the show.

The tracker vehicle

Biff and Nick are in charge of the black Land Rover, which travels at 40mph around the inside of the track filming the runners in action. It is driven skillfully by Nick — who also engineered the design of the specially-adapted car. Attached to the top of the car is an imprssive globe-shaped camera which cost £250,000…

...While in the back

Biff takes control of the camera in the back of the car while Nick drives at speed — he makes sure the relevant runners are always in the correct shot.

Interviewing outside with Gina

While Rishi and Mick are presenting from the studio, Gina has the more hectic job of being out-and-about interviewing jockeys and the horses’ connections…

…and talking to the winner

During the race Gina watches each horse to see how they are running and writes notes down — she will also come up with a number of questions to ask the victorious jockey.

Don’t miss the full feature about how Channel 4 Racing works in this week’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine (12 November 2015)

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Racing fans are in for treat this season as 20-time champion jockey AP McCoy is to join the Channel 4 Racing team.

AP’s first broadcast will be on Saturday 14 November, at The Open at Cheltenham.

“I’ve been very lucky and privileged to have enjoyed a fantastic career as a jump jockey,” said AP.

“I’m looking forward to working with Channel 4 over the next year and delighted to be back at some of the main festivals with a top presenting team.”

The former jockey will also be working on several other major days throughout the season including the Hennessy Gold Cup, the King George, Cheltenham’s January Trials meeting, two days from the Cheltenham Festival and the Grand National.

It will not only be jump racing, as AP will also be working on the Derby, the Ebor and British Champions Day.

AP joins a line-up of presenters that includes Clare Balding, Nick Luck, Mick Fitzgerald, Emma Spencer, Alice Plunkett, Rishi Persad, Jim McGrath, Graham Cunningham, Simon Holt and Tanya Stevenson.

Clare said: “I love the sport, the horses and the people in racing; and I feel particularly privileged to get the chance to work with AP McCoy. To hear his unique insight and opinion will be fascinating for all of us.”

After dominating the sport for two decades, AP McCoy rode his last race at Sandown Park on Saturday 25 April.

He retired on a career total of 4,357 winners and bowed out having been crowned champion jockey for the 20th year in succession.

AP won nearly every major race including two Cheltenham Gold Cups, three Champion Hurdles and the Grand National.

In 2010 he was crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

Ed Havard, Channel 4’s Head of TV Events, said: “AP is the most celebrated jockey in the world and is one of the greatest sportsmen of all time. His unrivalled knowledge of the sport will be an absolutely massive asset to our coverage and viewers will benefit from the insights of the most famous name in the sport.

“Together with our existing team AP will help take Channel 4’s racing coverage to new levels. We are absolutely thrilled to welcome him to Channel 4.”

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The new advert for the 2015 Grand National was released last week (Friday 20 March) but has left H&H fans bemused — as the advert features cartoon unicorns.

The 60-second animation, produced by Nexus, launched on Channel 4 at just before 9pm.

According to Channel 4 the film “tells the story of ‘The Outsider’ — a unicorn foal with underdeveloped wings and a twisted horn who is shunned for being different but fights with grit and determination to become a magnificent and unique racehorse”.

The campaign aims to “inspire a new generation of horse racing fans by showcasing the speed, stamina, strength and determination of a Grand National-winning racehorse”.

John Baker of Aintree racecourse said: “The Channel 4 team has once again come up with a thrilling and innovative piece of television that creates a colourful and near epic fantasy to depict and convey the very spirit and essence of what the Crabbie’s Grand National Festival is all about.”

However, H&H fans appeared less than convinced.

“It’s slightly weird,” said one Facebook user. “Looks like a My Little Pony advert,” said another.

And it has certainly divided opinion. “It’s rubbish” and “It’s a joke” were two comments.

However, some were more in favour: “Must be just me then, I thought it was quite good,” said one.

The promo’s score was recorded at Abbey Road Studios by an orchestra of 30 musicians and was composed to “evoke the stamina of a racehorse while reinforcing the grandeur of the Grand National”.

Nexus directors Alan Smith and Adam Foulkes said: “We were tasked by Channel 4 to inspire a new generation of horseracing fans ahead of this year’s highly anticipated Grand National.

“In order to capture the nation’s imagination and heart, we tell the story of an unlikely hero’s epic journey, defying the odds to become a champion racehorse.

“We follow our hero as he desperately tries to run with the herd, stomping through the undergrowth and never giving up, before overcoming his disadvantage and taking a giant leap into a brave new world where he finally belongs.

“The script from 4Creative was a rare opportunity to tell an emotive short story, and our main challenge was to pack in as much action into a 60-second spot, while leaving enough room to get to know and empathise with our hero. We really hope it strikes a chord with new and die-hard racing fans alike.”

Crabbie’s Grand National Festival is broadcast live on Channel 4 from (9-11 April).

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A total of 285,831 racing fans flocked to Berkshire last week for Royal Ascot 2014 (17-21 June).

Highlights on Friday (20 June) included a win for Rizeena in the Coronation Stakes and Eagle Top in the King Edward VIII.

While on the final day of the meeting (Saturday 21 June) Ryan Moore secured his title as the top jockey of Royal Ascot by riding a treble — including an emphatic victory on Telescope in the Hardwicke.

See our gallery below for highlights of day 4 and 5 (Friday and Saturday) at Royal Ascot.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Popular Flat jockey Frankie Dettori will be joining the Channel 4 Racing team for Royal Ascot next week (17-21 June).

The 3-times champion will be presenting alongside Clare Balding. He will also be joining the team throughout the rest of the Flat season.

The jockey has ridden 47 Ascot winners — including going through the card and scoring 7 in one day in 1996.

He will be combining presenting with riding at Royal Ascot.

The jockey said he was “thrilled” to be joining the team.

“I’ve been talking to Channel 4 about this opportunity for a while as I have always enjoyed their racing coverage and I am delighted to be able to give viewers an insight into the great thrill of our sport,” he added.

Clare Balding added: “Frankie is a great communicator and personality and would be an asset to anyone’s coverage. He’ll bring energy, insight and enjoyment.”

Meanwhile style guru Gok Wan will be taking on the fashion coverage.

However, Channel 4 came under fire earlier this week, after figures it released for the Derby showed a massive drop off from past years.

3.3m people tuned in in 2012 when the meeting was televised by the BBC.

Last year 1.95m watched on Channel 4. This fell to 1.55m on Saturday (7 June).

H&H columnist Ralph Beckett recently suggested that Channel 4’s team needed a revamp.

All 30 races will be broadcast live with coverage each day starting at 1.40pm.

Find out how to watch Royal Ascot

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Buff up the topper and don a glamorous outfit for Royal Ascot with the help of stylist extraordinaire Gok Wan.

The Fashion Fix guru will be gracing the TV making an appearance as Channel 4 Racing’s new fashion correspondent during this year’s coverage.

Gok will be dishing out style dos and don’ts, spotting any fashion faux pas, plus keeping a watchful eye on what the celebrities are wearing throughout the five-day meeting.

“With all its glamour, drama and royalty, there is nothing quite like Royal Ascot. I’m delighted to be joining Channel 4 Racing for this incredibly special event,” said Gok.

His top survival tips? “Take flat shoes just in case, wear the right underwear, be comfortable — don’t be tied up like a turkey ready for basting, smile and be daring!”

Royal Ascot is live on Channel 4 from 17-21 June

This article was first published in Horse & Hound on 12 June 2014

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

This afternoon all the action is at Cheltenham racecourse, as the 2014 Cheltenham Festival kicks off.

In the feature race of the day, the Champion Hurdle, record-breaking 19-times Grade 1 winner Hurricane Fly bids to retain his title in what has been billed as the race of the meeting.

He’s up against strong competition in the form of The New One, Jezki, Our Conor and My Tent Or Yours. So who will you be rooting for?

In the meantime, take a look back at some of past winners of the famous race in pictures.

Don’t miss the Champion Hurdle, live on Channel 4 today (Tuesday 11 March) at 3.20pm.

H&H reader offer: Bet on the Cheltenham Festival with Paddy Power and receive up to £250 in free bets for all new customers!

If you enjoyed this gallery, why not check out our other picture collections?

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To mark Nick Skelton joining the H&H team as guest editor, we look back through the H&H picture archives at some highlights of his career.

Farewell to Headley Britannia: H&H celebrates her life in pictures

After the sad news that Headley Britannia has been put down after a cross-country schooling accident, H&H looks back at highlights of this special mare’s career from our picture archives.

Carl Hester in pictures: from the archives

To celebrate Carl Hester joining the Horse & Hound team as our guest editor of the magazine, we took a look back through the H&H picture archives at interesting moments throughout his career.

Entries close for Badminton Horse Trials 2014: past winners in pictures

H&H has looked back through our picture archives to celebrate some of Badminton’s most prolific winners.

Big Buck’s retires: H&H celebrates his career in pictures

The record-breaking staying hurdler, who has won the World Hurdle a record 4-times, was retired after this year’s race in which he finished 5th.

The Cheltenham Gold Cup: celebrating past winners in pictures

H&H looks back at some popular past winners, including Desert Orchid, Kauto Star, Denman, Golden Miller, Best Mate and Arkle.

The Champion Chase: H&H’s favourite past winners in pictures

H&H looks back over some of the past stars — including Master Minded, One Man and Crisp.

Billy Twomey at home: in pictures

Following his leading showjumper win at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) last October, we visited Billy Twomey at his Nottinghamshire home to see how a normal day pans out for the popular Irish rider. Here are some of the behind-the-scenes pictures that we took on the day.

Celebrating 22 top mares: in pictures

We have selected 22 top performing mares of the moment to celebrate in pictures.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The new-look Channel 4 Racing coverage is dividing opinion among H&H readers, a month into its revised format.

An updated team of presenters and a new production company — IMG — took over the racing coverage on 1 January (news, 1 November 2012).

Clare Balding heads the presenters and has proven popular with members of our Facebook site and the H&H online forum.

Clare took to the helm for the first time on Saturday (26 January) for Festival Trials day at Cheltenham — her first live raceday reporting since presenting British Champions Day for the BBC in October.

But many mourn the loss of John Francome, Alastair Down, Derek Thompson and Mike Cattermole from the coverage.

“There is very little character and personality to the presenting now,” said H&H reader Karen Easterbrook.

There are also complaints about the reduced focus on the horses in the paddock.

“There is far too much studio and betting,” wrote one H&H forum user.

Channel 4 told H&H the programme comfortably attracts “over half a million viewers most weeks”.

Some racing fans are positive about the changes.

“The Morning Line has livened up considerably,” said one. “The afternoon shows are promising and we’ll know more about the way the show is going come Cheltenham.”

This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound (31 January, 2013)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Former Channel 4 Racing pundit John McCririck is seeking damages of £3 million from the broadcaster for “ageism”, after he was dropped from the presenting team.

McCririck was one of several faces dropped in October, when Channel 4 awarded the production contract to IMG Sports Media, ending a previous agreement with Highflyer.

IMG Sports Media took over on 1 January, with former BBC racing presenter Clare Balding and Racing UK anchor Nick Luck heading up the new team.

Popular Derek Thompson and Alastair Down were also dropped from the new line-up, while John Francome stood down. McCririck’s former sidekick, Tanya Stevenson — whom he often referred to as “the Female” — now provides information on the betting markets on her own.

In a statement, McCririck said he hoped his litigation would “prove to be a watershed”.

He said: “After 29 years with Channel 4 Racing, I have been sacked without any consultation or cogent explanation.

“I am 72. Ageism is illegal. For tens of thousands of employees it has become the feared scourge of our society.”

He is seeking £500,000 for loss of future earnings, “public humiliation, stress and mental anguish.

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

With his outrageous views, whiskers and eccentric dress sense, McCririck is a controversial figure. Although Racing for Change — which seeks to broaden the sport’s appeal — identified him as the presenter that resonated most with the public, he had been marginalised in Channel 4’s coverage in recent years.

Reaction on Twitter from racing fans had little truc with McCririck’s ageism argument.

“More popular presenters have gone than you McCririck, maybe it’s your opinions that got you the sack. Ageism my arse,” said one.

Another said: “It’s nothing to do with your age John, more that you’re an arrogant, sexist, out-of-touch dinosaur.”

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Channel 4’s new racing team is to start work tomorrow (Tuesday, 1 January) with a visit to the yard of top trainer Nicky Henderson. Originally the show was due to be broadcast from Cheltenham racecourse, but racing has been abandoned due to the ongoing wet weather.

With its team headed by Clare Balding and Nick Luck, the channel — which is now the sole terrestrial broadcaster of the sport — will show 88 days of racing a year, with Clare as the lead presenter for 40.

Channel 4 has suggested changes to the show, which may include moving the major Saturday race to 3.50pm, to fit in with the half-time break in football. Exceptions will include the Derby and Grand National.

There are also plans to make photo finishes more exciting to the viewer and to run an onscreen stopwatch during races.

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (28 December 2012)

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Channel 4 Racing’s presenting team has had a shake up — bringing in some new names and dropping some familiar faces, in the form of John McCririck and Derek Thompson.

McCririck told the Racing Post he was “devastated” not to be included, while Derek Thompson was also “very disappointed”.

At the helm, Racing UK and the Morning Line’s Nick Luck is to join Clare Balding as lead presenter on the new line up, from January.

Clare will be supported by Nick at all the premium racing events — including Cheltenham Festival, the Grand National meeting, the Derby Festival, Royal Ascot, Glorious Goodwood and British Champions Day. He will also anchor the regular Saturday afternoon programmes.

“I would like to thank Channel 4 and IMG for what is an incredibly exciting opportunity,” said Nick. “Together, they have some fantastic and dynamic ideas to drive the sport forward and I very much look forward to being part of the new team.”

Nick and Clare will be joined by Alice Plunkett, Emma Spencer, Rishi Persad, Jim McGrath, Graham Cunningham and Mick Fitzgerald.

Commentary will be by Simon Holt and Richard Hoiles. Betting will be with Tanya Stevenson.

Attheraces presenter Gina Bryce and jump jockey Sam Thomas will also join the team “in time”.

Also absent from the new team are Alastair Down and Mike Cattermole. John Francome ruled himself out as soon as the announcement was made that Highflyer would not get the contract to produce the programme and Lesley Graham is the new chief executive of Racing Welfare

The first show with the new team will be from Cheltenham racecourse on Tuesday 1 January 2013.

Jamie Aitchison, Channel 4’s sports editor, added: “Being the new home of horseracing is a real privilege and I’m delighted to announce this carefully selected team of presenters and reporters; a mix of broadcasting heavyweights and racing experts.

“Sports fans have something to look forward to – our racing coverage will be insightful,intelligent and ground-breaking. I’m hugely excited about the future of racing on Channel 4 and greatly look forward to 2013.”

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Clare Balding is to head up Channel 4’s racing coverage from next year.

“I am absolutely thrilled,” said Clare.

“Racing is my ‘home’ sport and I am delighted that I will still be part of its coverage on TV. I am excited by Channel 4’s plans and the way in which they have committed to expanding the profile of jockeys, trainers and horses.”

Earlier this year the channel won a bidding war reportedly worth £15m to be the sole terrestrial broadcaster of racing after the BBC put in as “competitive a bid as possible” to keep the rights.

It was announced today (Monday 13 August) that Clare, who previously anchored the BBC’s coverage, would be the lead presenter for the channel.

IMG Sports Media, who also cover Wimbledon and golf’s Ryder Cup, has been awarded the four-year production contract for the channel’s racing coverage, which will include all major meetings including the Cheltenham Festival, the Grand National meeting, the Derby Festival, Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood.

The deal, in operation from January 2013 till December 2016, runs alongside Channel 4’s four-year media agreement with Racecourse Media Group.

“The winning bid hails the arrival of a new era in broadcasting for the sport at a time when the industry is moving forwards with real momentum. The hard work starts now as we head towards 2013 and the exciting challenges ahead,” said Jamie Aitchison, Channel 4’s sports editor.

“Clare’s arrival is superb news for Channel 4 and the production team. Quite simply she is the sports broadcaster of her era and for her to be heading up our coverage across the year is extremely exciting. Racing fans have a lot to look forward to.”

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Last-ditch talks between the racing industry and Channel 4 to try to persuade the TV channel to broadcast horseracing beyond the end of 2005 have continued past the original 31 May deadline.

The station maintains that racing costs £5million a year to showcase and that the alternative use for the airtime could raise the same amount in revenue. It had imposed a deadline of last Tuesday for reaching agreement with racing and betting over annual funding in the region of £8m.

Representatives from the British Horseracing Board, the association of British bookmakers, William Hill, the Tote and the Racecourse Association attended the crisis meetings.

A joint statement said: “In view of the extent of the subsidy requested [by Channel 4] and the precedent such action would set, it was unanimously agreed not to meet the request. Both the racing and betting industries have greatly valued Channel 4’s excellent coverage of racing and would regret any decision to curtail it, especially in the light of the new commercial opportunities opened up by Ofcom this week.”

Prior to Tuesday’s deadline, Channel 4 maintained that the station was ready to explore “a range of options” ahead of 31 May. Former champion jockey John Francome, who collected the Sports Pundit of the Year award last week for his work on Channel 4, questioned why the Horseracing Betting Levy Board had not “put hands in pockets”. The Levy Board maintained that it was beyond its charter to offer financial support.

The impact of horseracing coverage on betting — an estimated 300% increase in turnover, and, correspondingly, racing’s income from betting — and sponsorship is the basis for Channel 4’s argument for a payment towards costs.

A good week for . . .

Disabled racing enthusiasts, after Wolverhampton staged its annual “Enabled Day” last Friday with free admission for disabled race goers and their carers. The racecourse has a further two dates this year — 10 September and 22 October — when disabled people can apply for free tickets to watch the racing action.

A bad week for . . .

Frankie Dettori, who has picked up a six-day ban following an incident at Haydock earlier this week. Dettori was the Royal Ascot’s leading jockey last season, but will miss the whole of this year’s Royal meeting at York as a result. The ban was imposed after Dettori moved his horse directly in front of another runner during a race. The other horse clipped the heels of Dettori’s mount and fell. Luckily, both horses and riders walked away unscathed.

Take a break

Jockeys are being advised to take at least two days a month off from riding this summer under a new voluntary code of practice. The new recommendations have been issued following concerns about the work schedules of some jockeys during the busiest part of the season. Any day spent away from the racecourse will be considered a rest day including suspensions, illness or injury.

Penalty shoot out

Sir Peter O’Sullevan CBE, flat jockeys Frankie Dettori and Mick Fitzgerald, former champion jump jockey Richard Dunwoody, and Channel 4’s John Francome and John McCririck will be taking part in a celebrity penalty shoot-out at Sandown Park racecourse on Saturday 11 June during National Courses for Horses day. The event is part of the Courses for Horses campaign, which is the first-ever national fundraiser to help working horses in the developing world. The horse racing stars will be attempting to score a goal against top goalie coach, Dave Beasant, of Fulham FC.

• Don’t miss Horse & Hound Online’s reports on all the action from the Vodaphone Oaks and Vodaphone Derby. Horse & Hound’s extensive reportage of these classic races will be available in next Thursday’s issue (9 June, 05)

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