John McCririck lost age discrimination claim against Channel 4 and IMG Media PIC: Reuters
John McCririck lost age discrimination claim against Channel 4 and IMG Media PIC: Reuters

John McCririck has lost his court case for age discrimination against Channel 4.

Former TV racing tipster McCririck declared the decision a "historic setback" for all almost every adult in the land.

McCririck, who also appeared on Celebrity Big Brother on the channel, claimed he was dumped because of his age and sued for £3m.

Ruling against the 73-year-old, the Central London Employment Tribunal referenced McCririck's "pantomine persona" and his "self-described bigoted and male chauvinist views".

It ruled: "The tribunal is satisfied that the respondent had the legitimate aim of attracting a wider audience to horseracing."

During the case, McCririck revealed he spends his days watching Jeremy Kyle on daytime TV.

Outside court following the ruling, McCririck lashed out at "anonymous suits and skirts who control the media".

He said: "This is an historic setback for all employees in their 30s to their 70s.

"After such a landmark judicial verdict, my failed legal action ensures that anonymous suits and skirts, who control the media, numerous other businesses and the public sector, will now enjoy complete freedom to replace older employees whatever their unimpaired ability and merit.

"I have let them all down along with my wife, the Booby, my legal team, friends, colleagues and countless members of the public who supported me throughout.

"My grateful thanks and apologies to every one of them.

"Former Labour home secretary David Blunkett said in August: 'The way TV executives worship the cult of youth seems to be an unstoppable fetish.' It is now.

"With my legal team we are now out of contact while studying the judgment in detail. It is on the Central London Employment Tribunal website."

Also cleared of age discrimination in the case was IMG Media.