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Stewards' inquiries will be broadcast live for the first time in UK racing history when the BBC screens hearings from the Epsom Derby meeting in June, it has been announced.

The move is part of the Racing for Change initiative, which aims to broaden the sport’s appeal.

Officials hope the trial will help to “demystify” an area of racing that has been seen as a closely guarded secret until now.

"British racing leads other major sports in how it manages its disciplinary functions," said Nic Coward, the chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA).

"We believe that running this trial will help demystify an important aspect of racing whilst adding to the excitement and drama of a race day."

Jamie Stier, the BHA's director of raceday operations and regulation, believes televising the hearings will give racing fans a valuable insight.

"In Australia, the televising of this type of inquiry has proved to be enormously popular," he added.

But former champion jockey Kevin Darley, who is now chief executive of the Professional Jockeys' Association, admitted the move was opposed by some riders.

"The idea of a trial of televised stewards' inquiries has been debated widely by jockeys, culminating in a vote among our Flat membership," he said.

"While our decision was in no way unanimous, a majority voted in favour of the trial.

"As an association, we are keen to play our part in modernising the image of racing, and I'm sure the viewing public will grow to appreciate the skills that jockeys employ in our sport.

"This trial will help to illustrate the challenges faced by riders when split-second decisions can mean the difference between victory and defeat.

"Epsom Downs' unique gradients, uphill finish and deceptive camber test a jockey's skills to the limit."