Page 13: Francesca Cumani changing stables the talk of Spring Racing Carnival

THERE’S always a standout spring racing story and this year it’s that of Francesca Cumani and her split from Australian polo player partner Rob Archibald in favour of her TV co-host. But that’s not the only rumour about Cumani.

Francesca Cumani and Rob Archibald. Picture: Regina King

THERE’S always a standout story from the Spring Racing Carnival.

One year it was a former Spice Girl going commando and baring all. Another it was Kim Kardashian not making it to the starting stalls — her hindquarters would have made her a winner.

Liza Minnelli started tongues wagging with her long list of demands. The superstar did not “do stairs” and had to be assisted through the marquee crowds by burly bodyguards.

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“Wacko” Paris Jackson should have been fitted with a tongue-tie. Then there are always the wannabes and “don’t you know who I ams” getting knocked back by clipboard-carrying door staff.

This year everybody is talking about Francesca Cumani.

“Wowza, did you hear about Cumani?” many a punter whispered into Page 13’s ear as they screwed up their Tabcorp betting slips.

There seems much more to Cumani’s capers than admitted in a carefully timed statement about her marriage breakdown.

ITV racing commentator Oli Bell and his colleague Francesca Cumani.

News of her split from Australian polo player husband Rob Archibald came on the eve of Cumani’s arrival to cover the Melbourne Cup Carnival for Channel 7. Its carefully chosen words rivalled Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin’s “conscious uncoupling”.

The distance between them and the time spent juggling their lives on “either side of the planet” had all become too much.

Nothing to see here. The split was “perfectly amicable” said this paean of public relations perfidy.

Cumani had found comfort confiding in the “perkiest of ITV’s racing commentary team”, Oli Bell, went the line.

Bell is Cumani’s TV racing colleague in the UK, and Cumani was now dating the “effervescent lad”.

Archibald is keeping a dignified silence but those around the ruggedly handsome Aussie have plenty to say.

Said by mates to be “the best bloke out there”, he is saying the split is anything but amicable. He moved to Britain to be with his wife, ditching his polo career to work as a trainer and raise son Harry. It’s believed he will return to Australia with Harry.

Cumani is quoted as saying, “I preferred you when you were a polo player, not a pretend trainer.” Fair chukkas. Give a man a chance.

Today is Channel 7’s last day covering the Spring Racing Carnival and not only will we miss “Mr Racing” Bruce McAvaney calling the Cup, but it seems Cumani may be on the move too. You can’t keep the woman down. Ten is taking the coverage reins and word is Cumani is looking to change stables next year.