International racing expert Francesca Cumani is joining 10 Sport as co-host for this year’s Melbourne Cup Carnival coverage.
Since 2009, Cumani has been helping to bring all the insight and colour of the Cup to Australian television audiences mainly at Seven, sharing her informed commentary and pre and post-race analysis.
Outside of Australia, Cumani has cemented herself as a racing media icon, co-hosting ITV’s racing coverage in the UK and previously hosting Winning Post on CNN International.
On joining 10’s Melbourne Cup Coverage, Cumani said: “The Melbourne Cup Carnival is one of the world’s great racing events and I’m thrilled to be part of 10’s broadcast team. It was the very first Carnival I worked on in my television career and it holds a very special place in my heart. I’m really looking forward to continuing my association with the Carnival and to helping 10 take race day coverage to new heights.”
On social media she added: “[I’m] indebted to the excellent and talented team at Seven who took a chance on me a few years ago and gave me my opportunity to broadcast a truly world class sporting event for the first time, but it’s onto pastures new now and I can’t wait to get started and see what 10 have up their sleeves for the race that stops the nation!”
Matt White, Network 10 head of sport, said: “Australian audiences love Francesca and we love the fact she’s joined the 10 sport team. Francesca will be key to everything we do on-air across the four days of the Melbourne Cup Carnival. She brings a unique blend of energy, experience and knowledge to our coverage. It’s a fabulous fit.”
Back on 10 for the first time since 2001, this year’s live broadcast of the Melbourne Cup Carnival covers four days of racing – AAMI Victoria Derby Day, Kennedy Oaks Day, Seppelt Wines Stakes Day and of course the Lexus Melbourne Cup Day.