Former amateur jockey Francesca Cumani grew up around horses – her father is the famous Milanese thoroughbred trainer Luca Cumani – and recalls riding almost before she could walk. The English-Italian mother-of-one, who speaks four languages fluently, is horse racing presenter for ITV and Channel Seven. Here she flicks through her phone to share her top apps and podcasts with you.

My favourite website.. The Racing Post - It's pretty niche but in my line of work, it’s an essential tool to keep me updated with what’s going on in the world of racing and watch endless replays of races.

My favourite app... It’s a close call between the GPS travel app Waze and Apple Music. I do a lot of driving up and down the country to various race meetings so Waze helps me get there as quick as possible and the music makes it more enjoyable although my work buddy Jason doesn’t always agree in my taste (and yes I know you do most of the driving Jason in case you are reading this).

My blog of choice... I don’t get a lot of time to read blogs but if anyone can recommend any good ones I’d like to give them a try.

My internet hero... This one is a bit random but it’s a guy called Aaron South who I actually have never met or even spoken to. He used to clip up my commentary in Australia and post the highlights online. It was there that ITV’s Niall Sloane saw me at work and without him I might not be part of the ITV team today.

My favourite podcasts.. Kevin Blake and Emmett Kennedy have a great one called The Final Furlong podcast.. I love being able to put my headphones on and digest racing information while I’m doing stuff around the house or going for the odd very occasional run.

My most recent buy online... a new pair of shoes. I have to go for sensible heels for when I’m working so I treated myself to a killer leopard print pair that won’t be getting worn in the parade ring at the races!



Book just downloaded/read… I like to mix up fact and fiction so I just started reading Three Men In a Boat by Jerome K Jerome which I’m really enjoying. Before that it was Vincent O'Brien - The Official Biography which is a must-read if you’re a flat racing fan.

Favourite Tweeter… I'm just flicking through it now and it's all racing related news which for anyone outside the racing bubble is pretty boring. I tend to just use Twitter as a news service.

Favourite Instagrammer… I use Instagram much more for fun and outside of keeping up with what friends are up to I love scrolling through pages for style inspiration. I love the style of both Alexa Chung and Olivia Palermo style. They always look so effortless and chic.

Social media allowed me to meet... It has definitely opened my eyes to the world of fashion and through a friendship with the brand Giorgio Armani, I was able to meet the great man himself at a show in Paris.

Most worthwhile newsletter subscribed to… I’ve been slack about it in the past but I now realise the importance of good skincare products so always have a good read of the Cult Beauty newsletter to find out what’s worth the investment. I’m a sucker for a good moisturiser.

Pet hate about life online... is remembering to post photos of my outfits. My stylist Sarah Byrne does a brilliant job of reminding me but I get caught up in the racing and usually forget.

Stand out online memory... Not one memory per se but more the realisation of the power of social media. I am always horrified by the stories of the damage we are doing to our environment and the pollution of the oceans with the endless amounts of plastic we discard. On a day-to-day basis I try to be as green as possible but I know there is so much more we could all do to improve the situation.

June 2018