John McCririck, English journalist

John Michael McCririck, born on 17 April 1940, and who passed away on 5 July 2019, was an instantly recognisable and often controversial figure in British public life. An English horse racing pundit, television personality, and journalist, McCririck carved out a unique niche with his distinctive appearance, including his prominent sideburns and trademark deerstalker hat, coupled with his outspoken, maverick style. He became a household name synonymous with the world of horse racing, bringing both expertise and theatrical flair to his reporting and punditry.

A Distinctive Voice in Journalism

McCririck began his professional journey in journalism, where he quickly made his mark at The Sporting Life, a venerable newspaper dedicated to horse racing. It was here that his passionate and often fearless campaigning journalism earned him significant recognition, leading to him twice winning prestigious accolades at the British Press Awards. His work often involved advocating for the betting public and scrutinising industry practices, establishing him as a respected, albeit sometimes provocative, voice within the sport. However, his tenure at the publication came to an abrupt end in 1984 when his role was terminated, marking a pivotal moment in his career trajectory.

From Print to Punditry: A Television Icon

The early 1980s saw McCririck transition to television, where he would ultimately achieve widespread fame. In 1981, he joined ITV Sport's horse racing coverage, bringing his unique insights and larger-than-life persona to a national audience. As the broadcasting landscape evolved, the horse racing coverage, and with it McCririck's role, moved to Channel 4 between 1984 and 1985, becoming a cornerstone of Channel 4 Racing. As the programme's betting ring reporter and odds compiler, he became renowned for his rapid-fire delivery, distinctive tic-tac gestures (a traditional bookmakers' hand signalling system), and his unwavering commitment to explaining the complexities of the betting market to viewers. His colourful commentary and expert analysis made him an indispensable part of British racing's television presence, attracting a devoted following.

The Channel 4 Departure and Tribunal

A significant and public turning point in McCririck's television career occurred in October 2012 when Channel 4 announced that he would be dropped from their racing team. McCririck vehemently contested this decision, publicly blaming ageism for his dismissal. This led him to pursue a high-profile employment tribunal against the channel, alleging age discrimination. The case garnered considerable media attention, bringing discussions about ageism within the broadcasting industry to the fore. Despite his passionate arguments and the widespread public interest, McCririck ultimately lost his case at the tribunal, marking the end of his long and influential association with televised horse racing.

Beyond the Racetrack: A Reality TV Fixture

Throughout the 1980s and beyond, John McCririck's distinctive personality and unfiltered opinions made him a sought-after guest and contestant on various popular television shows, expanding his public profile far beyond the confines of the racetrack. He appeared on classic entertainment programmes such as Bullseye and You Bet!. His memorable appearances on reality television and celebrity-based series included stints on Celebrity Big Brother, where his unpredictability and strong opinions often made headlines, and Wife Swap. He also participated in quiz shows like Weakest Link and showcased his strategic thinking on Celebrity Poker Club. Additionally, he featured in more serious settings, contributing to the current affairs discussion programme After Dark, demonstrating his ability to engage in diverse formats and cementing his status as a prominent and often provocative media personality.

FAQs

When was John McCririck born and when did he pass away?

John Michael McCririck was born on 17 April 1940 and passed away on 5 July 2019.

What was John McCririck primarily known for?

He was primarily known as an English horse racing pundit, television personality, and journalist, famous for his distinctive appearance, outspoken views, and his role as a betting ring reporter on ITV and Channel 4 Racing.

Where did he start his career in journalism?

McCririck began his career at The Sporting Life, a prominent horse racing newspaper, where his campaigning journalism earned him British Press Awards.

What was the controversy surrounding his departure from Channel 4 Racing?

In 2012, John McCririck was dropped from Channel 4 Racing, a decision he publicly attributed to ageism. He subsequently took Channel 4 to an employment tribunal, alleging age discrimination, though he ultimately lost the case.

What other television shows did he appear on?

Beyond horse racing, McCririck appeared as a contestant on numerous popular shows including Bullseye, You Bet!, Celebrity Big Brother, Weakest Link, Wife Swap, and Celebrity Poker Club. He also featured on the current affairs programme After Dark.