[Ammi]

The 72-year-old is claiming that the channel only axed him after almost three decades work solely on the basis of his age - a decision which he claims caused him, "public humiliation, stress and mental anguish."

"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," he said in a statement.

"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."

McCririck's TV career began with ITV in 1981 after a long spell working for the Racing Post, and he became part of Channel 4's racing team when the channel first began covering it in 1984.

He is claiming £500,000 damages for loss of earnings, damage to his career and his own anguish.

His also also claiming a further £2.5m in "exemplary, punitive" damages which he says will be, "donated to charitable organisations helping to prevent negative prejudice in the workplace."

[King Gizzard]

Surely he can't sue them if he has no explanation why he was sacked/they haven't said it was down to his age

Could have been because he's a bit odd

[Novo]

Channel 4 Racing was amazing the other day with the new Presenting team, Looks more professional now, he just made a mockery out of it by shooting loads of pointless **** and wearing the same clothes at near enough every meeting he was at

[Kizzy]

I remember this story last year, they didn't renew his contract as they wanted more female presenters I thought, nothing to do with age was it?

[King Gizzard]

Has he done IAC yet? Probably be in that next year

[Ammi]

..it could have been because he's an idiot..the fact that he's an older idiot is irrelevant....

[InOne]

Was it Suzi Perry who replaced him?

[arista]

Originally Posted by InOne

Was it Suzi Perry who replaced him?

No Claire Bal.....

[arista]

Originally Posted by Nathan

Surely he can't sue them if he has no explanation why he was sacked/they haven't said it was down to his age

Could have been because he's a bit odd

towards women
Yes

[the truth]

jonnie mac is a legend....awesomeon horseracing too knows the game inside and out...I hope he wins the case , its a clear case of ageism and ageism is illegal

[Kizzy]

He was very professional on the show I think, his eccentricity was his appeal.
I'm sad he thinks he has been put out to pasture, (sorry) but It it nice to see new faces on television occasionally.
Mr Forsythe take note!

[arista]

On Ch5News now

He is Angry

[the truth]

How dare they take his diet coke!

[Jake.]

Sir McCririck has every right

[Jake.]

Originally Posted by Nathan

Has he done IAC yet? Probably be in that next year

Oh yes please