The last ITV Seven came from Kempton Park and Thirsk on 7 September 1985, three weeks before the last World of Sport, which only covered one meeting, at Redcar. At times she is Chamberlain's sidekick as a presenter whilst at others she turns her expert eye towards horses in the pre-parade ring, giving viewers the key information as well as insight into how horses look and are behaving. An expert on all things racing and. Weather Presenter Becky Mantin Credit: ITV Weather. Mayor is a former flat rider and a presenter for Sky Sports Racing, ITV Racing, and GG Horse Racing. Cumani scored her first break in television when she was offered the opportunity to be a guest presenter on Australia's Channel 7's horse racing show. It will be played between the American Football Conference (AFC) champions Kansas City Chiefs and the National Football Conference (NFC) champions Philadelphia Eagles. "That's complete rubbish," she told Tatler. Something went wrong, please try again later. A regular race-goer always needs a collection of hats, My Dressing Room feature with Natalie Green, By Alex Hammond is a Female Horse Racing Reporter on Sky or AtTheRaces. For other inquiries, Contact Us. TV presenter and journalist, Sally Ann Grassick, is no stranger to being in front of the camera. This is a vintage dress, from Opera by Richards. Leonna added: "Ed is a brilliant mentor, he knows what to say to make you feel relaxed. Francesca has been one of the familiar faces of the Royal Ascot week for ITV, as well as fronting their usual Saturday coverage. Francesca Cumani was recently voted by the British Racecourses community as the Best Female Horse Racing Reporter in 2023. This is my showjumping outfit. In 2007 she became the presenter of ITV's coverage of the British Touring Car Championship alongside Ted Kravitz. The practice-run, with co-presenter Francesca Cumani at her pad in Newmarket, went smoothly - for all Chamberlin's spare room is a far cry from the ITV Racing studio. Next up is Ed Chamberlin, a former Sky Sports presenter, he joined the ITV team in 2017. They are both practical for walking on grass and comfortable to wear all day, while still being elegant. [1], Following school, Cumani attended the University of Bristol, from which she graduated with a degree in French and Spanish. 36-year-old Francesca was born near the famous racecourse at Newmarket. But it was Frankie Dettori who caused the biggest stir, when he stayed with the Cumani family. I knew it had to be mine. She has also presented two series of equestrian interest show Horse Tails on Animal Planet. They are a requirement at some meets, of course, but on a really sunny day they are vital a really helpful sunscreen and eye-protector. [1] She went on to ride winners on the flat, over hurdles and fences. [10] In December 2021, she announced that she is expecting her second child with partner Max Johnson. Editors' Code of Practice. Free bets must be placed at . A regular race-goer always needs a collection of hats (Image: Archant). When choosing a dress I have to consider all sorts of things. Here she talks about the role fashion plays in her professional, and personal life. ITV's midweek racing coverage had already been on Channel 4 since 22 March 1984; from 5 October 1985 the Saturday afternoon coverage also moved to the fourth channel, permanently becoming Channel 4 Racing, although it was reduced in scope considerably at the start of 1986, and would not become as extensive as it was in the ITV era until the late 1990s. When I'm presenting, I'm there to inform and entertain so I need to know what I'm talking about as there are unfortunately no hiding places in live television.". If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to She is a British/ Italian horse racing expert herself. [1] Riding career [ edit] Francesca Cumani is the daughter of trainer Luca Cumani. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. In the 1980s ITV reduced its racing coverage, and often in the last years of World of Sport only one meeting would be shown. They have quite firm guidelines on dress. She rode a horse called Bold King's Hussar, bred by her grandad and finished fourteenth. She has also been the Radio 5 Live equestrian correspondent and has hosted equestrian events for Eurosport, Sky Sports and Horse and Country. She is the only female to have ridden at both Badminton Horse Trials and over the Grand National course at Aintree. Over the years, the live coverage was presented by John Rickman (until 1977), Brough Scott, Ken Butler, (until 1980) Lord Oaksey (initially known on the programme as John Lawrence, and subsequently becoming John Oaksey after he succeeded to the peerage), and Derek Thompson and Jim McGrath (from 1981-1985). Francesca married Australian polo star Rob Archibald in 2014, welcoming their son two years later. Francesca looked up to him as a 'surrogate brother', even admitting she became like an infatuated schoolgirl in his presence. Francesca Cumani is a horse racing presenter working for ITV Racing and 10 Sport. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, Francesca Cumani sports an amazing dress on Grand National day at Aintree that appears to be inspired by artist Piet Mondrian, Cumani has partnered former Sky Sports presenter Ed Chamberlain at Royal Ascot, Cumani formerly worked as a horse racing presenter in Australia. Francesca Cumani is a British-Italian horse racing expert, presenter, and commentator based jointly in the United Kingdom and Australia. It started on 4 October 1969 when the programme began to show horse racing from two courses each week rather than one, under the title "They're Off". 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In January 2019, after previously operating autonomously from its sisters, the channel was re-launched as part of the Sky Sports family of channels. I like that I can ride my horse and walk the dog not caring about the mud and the elements. Oli Bell nominated Two For Gold (his pick again this season), who won his first three starts, including at odds of 3-1 and 11-4. Lydia Hislop was crowned Broadcaster of the Year for the second time in three years on a successful day for Racing TV. Alice Plunkett is a presenter on ITVs Horse Racing coverage. Registered in England & Wales | 01676637 |. [5] In February 2019 Ed Chamberlin and Cumani were joint winners of the Broadcast Sports Presenter of the Year at the SJA Awards. Natalie Green is ITVs newest recruit to its horse racing team. More minor tracks like Warwick, Catterick and Market Rasen were also extensively featured, especially during the National Hunt season in the winter, when ITV had the rights to fewer of the big races. In the early 1970s it changed to The ITV Seven, reflecting the number of races it showed each week. All my work outfits need to be practical in winter they need to be warm. Shes the first person I go to for my ITV Racing outfits. 18+. This shirt is very light, perfect for hot days. Pink is one of my favourite colours for spring and summer, so I hope I can wear it soon. Its by Derhy, and I found it at Abi Fisher, in Tarporley. ITV reports from a different course each week and they came across me a few times when I was working at the same course and eventually approached me to work for them. I am now officially a junior race day presenter for ITV, a job I started in January. She missed the 2004 British Grand Prix due to her partner's death and was replaced for that race by Allan McNish. Megan is a horse racing pundit for both @itvracing & @racingtv. A post shared by Leonna Mayor (@leonnamayor), "ITV are not making racing a bubble, we want everyone to come racing or enjoy the coverage at home, whether they want to back a horse or not.". [9] Following their separation, Cumani was in a relationship with fellow ITV Racing presenter, Oli Bell. Danielle Nicholls has revealed that she had to take extra precaution with her attire during her three years as a presenter on CITV between 1998 and 2001 due to her large bust. Education [ edit] Cumani was educated at Tudor Hall School, [1] a boarding and day independent school for girls, between the village of Bloxham and the market town of Banbury, in Oxfordshire. [6], Cumani was born in Newmarket, Suffolk, and is the daughter of trainer Luca Cumani. The pair often front up all the action on Saturday from the biggest meets around the country, with a little help from the likes of Jason Weaver and Co. People can criticise my accent or what Im saying at times but I just think oh, shut up. The greatest challenge is in the sizing current sizing bears no resemblance to that from 20 to 30 years ago. In August 2017, Richard Madeley joined the show as a relief presenter. When the Queen was visiting her horses in stables in Newmarket, she wanted to drop in and see Francesca's dad Luca, who had announced his retirement after 43 years as a trainer. I worked in Yorkshire for a while, but never really settled, so I went freelance and worked at different courses around the country. I like to wear colours in the day, but at night black feels more dressy. Alice Plunkett (also known by her married name, Alice Fox-Pitt) is a former eventer and National Hunt jockey and current presenter on ITV Racing in the UK. He . But, her education - she studied French and Spanish at Bristol University - hindered her progress. In 2018 Cumani and Archibald separated. Francesca has been one of the familiar faces of the Royal Ascot week for ITV, as well as fronting their usual Saturday coverage. "Cheltenham Festival 2011 Diary: Henry Cecil hopes to land his first Derby at Cheltenham", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Alice_Plunkett&oldid=1049194277, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 10 October 2021, at 12:19. Biography. Francesca is no stranger to the world of racing, her dad Luca was a top trainer and racehorse breeder and her grandmother Elena was a champion amateur jockey in her day. That, in turn, led to her riding in the 1993 Fox Hunters' Chase at Aintree, one of the two main hunter chase races in the calendar. Francesca is regularly live on ITV television discussing ITV's horse racing tips and ITV Pick 7 Predictions. In pictures: Ladies Day 2019 best outfits so far, In pictures: Ladies Day brings celebrities to Cheltenham Festival. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. [2], She is married to eventer William Fox-Pitt. HP10 9TY. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. "But one day Id love to be one of the main anchors. ITV Horse Racing Presenters, Commentators & Pundits, Super Bowl LVII (57) Live TV Coverage on Fox, ITV1 and Sky Sports NFL, BBC, ITV and the FA announced fifth round ties selected for live TV coverage, Six Nations 2023 Live TV Coverage on BBC and ITV, Enjoy The Ride Sky Sports F1 Promo 2023. Constant dieting, the dangers of race-riding and mile after mile up and down the country for not much money can add a few premature grey hairs. In August 2018, Adil Ray also joined as a relief presenter. 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Francesca's grandparents were also involved in horses, with her nan Elena a champion amateur jockey and granddad Sergio a popular trainer. When I am not in my riding gear, taking Vision De La Vie out, I like to be smart casual. You can also get racecards and results for all UK racing, so you never . She began fronting the ITV coverage in 2016. 18+ T&Cs Apply. ", A post shared by Francesca Cumani (@francesca_cumani). ITV Racing is a programme produced by ITV Sport for races shown on ITV or ITV4 in the United Kingdom. This coat dress is by Desigual, a Spanish brand I really love. I have been riding since I was four years old. It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times. I set up British Racecourses with the desire to share my passion for racing with other like-minded people. She became one of ITV's presenters in 2016, often showing off her glamour and racing knowledge at events including Cheltenham. Free bets must be placed at min odds of 1.5 (1/2). Hes amazing and just loves it. Francesca has become an integral cog in the ITV racing team. Who is Francesca Cumani, how long has she been an ITV Racing presenter and is she married? View our online Press Pack. A regular race-goer always needs a collection of hats (Image: Archant) For example, for me the midi skirt is a great length, its elegant, but I dont need to worry about a gust of wind suddenly causing problems. She is part of the Channel 4 racing team and a regular face on Skys dedicated racing channel At The Races (ATR). She told SunSport: "Not sometimes. Meetings from Goodwood and Haydock Park appeared occasionally, and a meeting from Ascot was shown as a one-off in 1977 when the BBC were covering the Grand National at Aintree. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. This jumpsuit is by Diane von Furstenburg and is my absolute go-to for all evening occasions. This outfit is from Abi Fisher my style guru. Within 10 minutes, Queen Elizabeth II was at the nearby Fittocks Stud - wishing the Italian all the best with her entourage in tow. After a well publicised battle with stomach cancer in 2009, Ed returned to TV after his recovery. ITV broadcasts big events such as the Grand National, Cheltenham Festival, Epsom Derby, Royal Ascot, Glorious Goodwood and British Champions Day, as well as regular Saturday meetings. First up is the fashionable Francesca Cumani, the leading lady who fronts the coverage alongside Ed Chamberliin and AP McCoy. [8] In April 2016 their son was born. Richard first became involved in racing in 1992 and has been a keen punter ever since. Richard Hoiles is a racecourse commentator on ITV and Racing TV. "I have a lasting memory of him coming through the house and going to the fridge, grabbing a ball of mozzarella and just biting a chunk out of it. Racing commentator Francesca Cumani and her ITV co-host Oli Bell have called it quits after two years of dating. After taking horses to Australia on a trip, she was offered an opportunity to be a guest presenter on Australia's Channel 7's horse racing broadcast. However, ITV . "I think I'm quite a strong person, I'm quite black and white but social media is awful at times. Being in such a prestigious business, the Cumani family have been accustomed to mingling with the Royals. 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Gina Bryce is the female presenter on Sky Sports Racing. ITV Racing will show every single race and we are set for some sizzling action on the . . She left the school in 2001. For other inquiries, Contact Us. I thought I wasn't set up for TV. contact the editor here. 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At 18, she got herself an amateur licence and won the Queen Mother's Cup in 2005 and 2006. She began fronting the ITV coverage in 2016. Its all about presenting your horse and presenting yourself. Her late partner was John Walton, a former Minardi team manager who died of a heart attack in 2004. Racecourses are very exposed, so theres no relief if it is hot or cold and a hat makes a huge difference, winter and summer. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, All eyes will be on ITV Racing presenter Francesca Cumani when she hosts this year's Grand National festival, The beauty has horse racing in her blood, with her dad Luca Cumani being a legendary trainer, Frankie Dettori, left, was taken in by Luca Cumani and lived at Bedford House Stables, Francesca Cumani admitted she had a crush on Dettori, Inspired by her father and Frankie Dettori, Cumani tried her hand at being a jockey, Cumani, at 24, poses with Soulacroix after winning the Queen Mother's Cup in 2006, Cumani has been a part of the ITV Racing team since 2016, Self-confessed nerd Cumani always appears glam when she's on hosting duties, Cumani has friends in high-places, including Zara Tindall, Expect Cumani to turn heads in a variety of outfits during the Cheltenham Festival, Stunning trainer Gemma Rielly talks about new career after being a jockey. She is a well-known face within ITV Racing's team in the UK and works with RTE Racing in Ireland and Equidia in France, giving her a birds-eye view of Europe's major racing jurisdictions. [2] 60 days of racing will be shown on ITV4, while 40 days of racing will be shown on ITV. T&Cs apply. For other inquiries, Contact Us. She then scored a permanent job with CNN - presenting Winning Post in both English and Spanish.
