John McCririck sacked as Channel 4 reveals new-look team working with lead presenter Clare Balding McCririck, 72, had worked for the channel since it started covering racing in 1984 and has always championed the punter's cause. He claimed he was only informed that he was no longer needed - or sacked in his words - half an hour before the press statement was released and blamed his departure on audience research and ageism. From his Las Vegas hotel, where he is staying ahead of the Breeders" Cup meeting at Santa Anita, he put out a lengthy and critical statement. Racing insiders would have expected nothing less. So, from Cheltenham's New Year's Day meeting, Channel 4 will be the only terrestrial channel broadcasting racing after the BBC's departure. The team put together by IMG Sports Media, which won the contract to produce the programme, is, broadly speaking, a mix of the old BBC and Channel 4 racing teams. The identity of Balding's deputy presenter, Nick Luck, was hardly one of racing's best-kept secrets but unlike the present format where there are dual presenters, Luck will be there to "support" Balding, present The Morning Line and lead the show on the days Balding is not contracted to work. There will be a team of three reporters: Alice Plunkett, who will also present The Morning Line, Rishi Persad, recruited from the BBC, and Emma Spencer. The punditry will be in the hands of Channel 4 old-stager Jim McGrath, Grand National-winning jockey Mick Fitzgerald and Graham Cunningham, whose insightful race analysis will appeal to the sport's more hardcore fans. Tanya Stevenson, McCririck's understudy since joining Channel 4, will relay the betting news, while Simon Holt will remain the No 1 commentator, supported by Richard Hoiles. Gina Bryce, a familiar face to those who watch Attheraces, and Gold Cup-winning jockey Sam Thomas will form the "academy" of young talent being brought on by the programme. Apart from McCririck, the loss of John Francome, who had made it known he would step down in loyalty to the present producer Andrew Franklin when Highflyer lost the contract, means the team might lack a little in the natural-humour department. Lesley Graham had already counted herself out by taking on the job of chief executive of Racing Welfare. Thompson was the go-to man for interviews that no one else fancied and could fill in five minutes interviewing a smoked-salmon sandwich. Other familiar faces who will be absent are Alastair Down, who presents jump racing for the current team, and Mike Cattermole, who co-presented Flat racing with Spencer. Jamie Aitcheson, Channel 4"s sports editor said: "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 coverage will be insightful, intelligent and ground-breaking. Big Mac may have other ideas.