Annette Sharp: Lizzie Jelfs’ exit raises more questions about Sky Racing

The sudden departure from Sky Racing of popular commentator Lizzie Jelfs and media presenters team manager Leith Mulligan is raising questions about the broadcaster, writes Annette Sharp.

Former Sky Racing commentators John Scorse and ex-colleague Chynna Marston. Instagram.

The sudden departure from Sky Racing of popular commentator Lizzie Jelfs and media presenters team manager Leith Mulligan in December is raising questions about operations at the broadcaster.

Jelfs signed off on December 18, telling her Twitter followers: “Today is my last Saturday broadcasting for Sky Racing. I wanted to thank everyone in front and behind the camera for making the past five years so memorable.”

Lizzie Jelfs on her last day as a presenter for Sky and TAB in December. Picture: Getty

As this newspaper’s racing writer Ray Thomas observed at the time, Jelfs retains a large following among rank-and-file punters and is one of few media identities who can influence betting markets with her selections.

On the back of this column’s report last week about John Scorse and Chynna Marston, sources last week insisted Mulligan has consulted lawyers following his departure.

Furthermore, last week came word Sky News is facing a potential challenge for racing broadcasting rights with former Channel 7 CEO Tim Worner tipped to be joining a rival to Tabcorp’s Sky Racing.

One wonders where Jelfs, and possibly Scorse and Mulligan, might turn up next.

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