Channel 10 star Francesca Cumani ‘truly gutted’ over Melbourne Cup despair
One of the biggest TV stars in world racing will miss the Melbourne Cup this year — but not the payday that comes with it.
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Racing identity Francesca Cumani is staying home from the Melbourne Cup again despite her $1 million commitment with Channel 10.
The high-profile racing commentator has become one of the most recognisable figures of the Spring Carnival in recent years through her work with Ten and Channel 7.
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The 38-year-old’s stardom has paid off big time in recent years with Ten signing her up to a five-year contract — worth a reported $1 million — to appear as a star commentator during the network’s coverage of the Carnival.
It came after she had been such a hit with viewers during her work with previous Melbourne Cup TV rights holder Seven.
Unfortunately for Ten, Cumani’s star power will be on display less than it would like during the coverage of Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup — as a result of her being stranded in the UK due to Covid-19 border restrictions.
Appearing in a pre-recorded package played in the early stages of Ten’s broadcast on Tuesday, Cumani said: “Hey everyone. I cannot believe it’s been 15 years since I came to my very first Melbourne Cup. I mean, the day absolutely blew me away. It’s like nothing I had ever experienced before. As a result, I had to keep coming back.
“That was until last year, when I wasn’t able to and then this year, again, I am truly gutted. I wish I was there, it’s my favourite day of the year. I cannot wait to see who wins this year’s Melbourne Cup.
“You will have to enjoy it for me.”
The Australian first reported Cumani, the daughter of famed trainer Luca Cumani, will continue to receive her annual payment of $200,000 in 2021 despite her only TV appearances coming via zoom and pre-recorded messages.
The Australian reports Cumani was expected to feature during Ten’s coverage of the Victoria Crown Oaks and Mackinnon Stakes race days during the Carnival, but her commitments have now been slashed to appearances at the Melbourne Cup and during last Saturday’s Victoria Derby, won by Hitotsu.
According to The Australian Cumani is not in violation of her contract. She also missed last year’s Melbourne Cup where she appeared during Ten’s live coverage via Zoom from her lounge room in the UK.
She had been forced into isolation before her planned travel to Australia last year after her father recorded a positive test for Covid-19.
“Coronavirus is the reason why Francesca Cumani can’t join us in Australia this year for the Melbourne Cup. But it hit home even more seriously overnight when Cesca’s dad was diagnosed with Covid-19 and she was put into isolation,” Ten sports presenter Stephen Quartermain said at the time.
Cumani told Ten her 72-year-old father appeared to be relatively healthy despite his concerning diagnosis.
He made a full recovery.
“As you can see a different setting here. I am at home and isolating now,” Cumani said last year.
“He (her father) is, thankfully, so far, OK. He just had a bit of a sore throat and felt a little bit down, so he got a test and it did come back positive. As a result, we’ve all very much just shut down. My mum is still feeling OK and thankfully, so far, so good.”
Originally published as Channel 10 star Francesca Cumani ‘truly gutted’ over Melbourne Cup despair
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