John McCririck launches £3m 'ageism' claim after being sacked by Channel 4 Racing The Harrow-educated tipster, who is 72, was replaced at the end of last year by a younger presenting team headed up by Clare Balding, 41. Mr McCririck announced today that he had decided to pursue legal action against Channel 4 and IMG Sports Media, the production company that has taken over making the broadcaster's racing coverage. He said in a statement: "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. There's no upper limit to the amount of damages employment tribunals can award under the Equality Act 2010. 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. The sacked pundit is being represented on a no-win no-fee basis by Stephen Beverley, a solicitor specialising in employment and sports law. Channel 4 was not immediately available for comment. IMG Sports Media declined to comment.