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Racing coverage will have new perspective, according to Cumani

Sara Cumani firmly believes that her daughter Francesca will bring "fresh eyes" to horse racing after she was named co-host of ITV's Flat Coverage in 2017.

Sara Cumani firmly believes that her daughter Francesca will bring "fresh eyes" to horse racing after she was named co-host of ITV's Flat Coverage in 2017.

Racing fans will no doubt be familiar with Francesca's father Luca Cumani, a leading Newmarket trainer, and his daughter has already developed an extensive CV of broadcast experience. She has most recently worked for CNN and Seven Network in Australia.

She will now offer her expert views with former Sky presenter Ed Chamberlin on ITV once Channel 4's contract to broadcast the Flat racing expires at the end of the year. Francesca may not be the most familiar name in the horse racing tips world, but her mother has been effusive in her support and strongly believes that her daughter's global knowledge will breathe fresh life into a format that has become rather tired of late.

"I'm very proud of her, but I'm a bit nervous as it's quite an ask" said Sara Cumani of her daughter. "She's joining a new team that look to be full of ideas so it's very exciting for her. She's been around racing for a long time now and has done a bit of everything, everywhere."

"She went to Australia inexperienced, and it's much different out there to here, so she will maybe look at things with fresh eyes and a new perspective". Sara was quick to point out her daughter's experience abroad and how programming is different in the Southern Hemisphere. It is true of British racing coverage becoming somewhat tedious and boring and Cumani is set to change that as far as her mother is concerned.

Paul Hanagan riding Taghrooda wins The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot racecourse on July 26, 2014© Getty Images

"Hopefully she can find a way to help make watching racing more fun, and hopefully she can relay her love of the sport to the public. I couldn't recommend her more highly. I'm dead chuffed for her".

Francesca's move to British coverage doesn't spell the end for her career in Australia, however, as she still fully intends to continue working for the Seven Network Down Under during the winter close season in Britain. Sadly, she is unlikely to be able to continue with CNN as it required a great deal of travel and, as a new mother, it has become very impractical for Cumani to analyse the Stats, bets and tips as closely as she has before.

In her own words: "I'm hugely excited to be part of ITV's new racing team and looking forward to working with Ed Chamberlin covering the Flat season from next year. Her new employers have stated she will cover up to 50 days of Flat racing next year when ITV's four year contract kicks in.

ITV's director of sport, Niall Sloane, stated: "Francesca has a superb pedigree as a racing presenter with a genuine love of the sport. Alongside Ed Chamberlin, we believe she will engage our audience in some wonder events throughout the Flat season and we look forward to working with her".

Positive endorsement all round for Francesca Cumani can surely leave no doubt in anyone's mind that she will be a success.

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