Channel 4 television have announced the names of the presenters of their new-look racing programme to work alongside Clare Balding.
Nick Luck will take on a role of key presenter, supporting Balding at the premier events from January, which include the Cheltenham Festival, Derby, Grand National and Royal Ascot. Luck will also independently lead Channel 4 Racing's weekly Saturday afternoon programmes.
"I would like to thank Channel 4 and IMG for what is an incredibly exciting opportunity," said Luck. "Together, they have some fantastic and dynamic ideas to drive the sport forward and I very much look forward to being part of the new team.
Balding and Luck will be joined by Alice Plunkett, Rishi Persad and Emma Spencer, who will take on the roles of roving reporters.
Simon Holt has been retained as com-mentator, supported by Richard Hoiles, while Jim McGrath will be joined by new recruits Graham Cunningham and Mick Fitzgerald for in-depth analysis. Tanya Stevenson will continue in her role from the betting ring.
The Morning Line will carry on with Luck at the helm and Plunkett stepping in to support.
In time, other names are likely to feature on the roster, including At The Races presenter Gina Bryce and Gold Cup-winning jockey Sam Thomas.
Jamie Aitchison, Channel 4's sports editor, said: "Being the new home of horseracing is a privilege and 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 racing coverage will be insightful, intelligent and ground-breaking. I'm hugely excited about the future of racing on Channel 4.
"I would like to thank all of the presenting team for their commitment and enthusiasm to the racing coverage over the years."
* The powers that be did not miss Ryan Powell and hit the wall yesterday when they handed the apprentice jockey a 25-day ban for having broken whip regulations five times since May. Powell was deemed to have committed a breach of the rules at Salisbury on See The Storm on October 15, when he finished second. The matter was referred to the British HorseracingAuthority by the stewards as it was his fifth offence in the past six months. The panel found him to be in breach of the rules and considered it warranted a suspension, which will run from Friday, November 2 until Monday, December 3 inclusive on days on which Flat racing is scheduled to take place.
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