Luca Cumani
Encyclopedia
Luca M. Cumani is an Italian thoroughbred horse trainer
. He has trained at Bedford House Stables in Newmarket, England
since 1976. He has trained a multitude of high-profile horses, including seven Classic race winners, two Epsom Derby
winners in Kahyasi
(1988) and High-Rise
(1998), as well as a Breeders' Cup Mile
winner in Barathea
(1994).
As the son of champion amateur jockey Elena and champion trainer Sergio Cumani, horseracing has always been in his blood. He followed in their footsteps, emulating first his mother and then his father. Realizing that Newmarket is the center of the racing world, Luca moved to England
in his early twenties to work for ten-time champion trainer Henry Cecil
.
It was not long before he started up his own training establishment at Bedford House and he has not looked back ever since. Within ten years he had 12 Group 1 winners in five different countries and the tally has now risen to 55 up until the present day. Not content with claiming the majority of the big domestic races, he has ventured far and wide with globetrotting champions such as Falbrav
and Alkaased to win Group 1 races in Hong Kong
and Japan
, respectively.
Cumani has also earned a reputation as a mentor to jockeys and assistant trainers. Frankie Dettori
, Jimmy Fortune, Jason Weaver, Royston Ffrench and Nicky Mackay are all previous Champion Apprentices who learnt their trade under his tutelage. Leading rider Kieren Fallon
is currently employed by Cumani, as is rider Kirsty Milczarek
. Christophe Clement
, James Toller, Jonathan Portman, Chris Wall, John Berry, David Simcock and Marco Botti are the best known current trainers that spent a portion of their formative years as assistant trainer to Luca.
Cumani is the father of Francesca Cumani, who has had some success as an amateur jockey and now works in Australia for Channel 7 during the Melbourne Cup Carnival in November.
Great Britain
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Canada
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Dubai
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France
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Hong Kong
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Ireland
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Italy
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Japan
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Singapore
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United States
Horse training
Horse training refers to a variety of practices that teach horses to perform certain behaviors when asked to do so by humans. Horses are trained to be manageable by humans for everyday care as well as for equestrian activities from horse racing to therapeutic horseback riding for people with...
. He has trained at Bedford House Stables in Newmarket, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
since 1976. He has trained a multitude of high-profile horses, including seven Classic race winners, two Epsom Derby
Epsom Derby
The Derby Stakes, popularly known as The Derby, internationally as the Epsom Derby, and under its present sponsor as the Investec Derby, is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies...
winners in Kahyasi
Kahyasi
Kahyasi was an Irish-bred and British-trained Thoroughbred racehorse, winner of the Epsom Derby in 1988.Kahyasi was trained by Luca Cumani during his racing career and was ridden by Ray Cochrane to a length-and-a-half victory over Glacial Storm in the Epsom Classic.He went on the win the Irish...
(1988) and High-Rise
High-Rise (horse)
High-Rise is a retired Thoroughbred race horse and active sire, bred in Ireland, but trained in the United Kingdom, Dubai and the United States. He is best known as the winner of the Epsom Derby in 1998...
(1998), as well as a Breeders' Cup Mile
Breeders' Cup Mile
The Breeders' Cup Mile is a Grade 1 Weight for Age stakes race for thoroughbred racehorses three years old and up, run on a grass course. It has been conducted annually as part of the Breeders' Cup World Championships since the event's inception in 1984...
winner in Barathea
Barathea (horse)
Barathea was an Irish-bred, British-trained Thoroughbred racehorse, best known for winning the 1994 Breeders' Cup Mile at Churchill Downs. He went on to become a successful stallion.-Background:...
(1994).
As the son of champion amateur jockey Elena and champion trainer Sergio Cumani, horseracing has always been in his blood. He followed in their footsteps, emulating first his mother and then his father. Realizing that Newmarket is the center of the racing world, Luca moved to England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
in his early twenties to work for ten-time champion trainer Henry Cecil
Henry Cecil
Sir Henry Richard Amherst Cecil is a successful English horse racing trainer who has had many winners in the Epsom Derby, 1,000 Guineas and 2,000 Guineas, Epsom Oaks and the St. Leger Stakes....
.
It was not long before he started up his own training establishment at Bedford House and he has not looked back ever since. Within ten years he had 12 Group 1 winners in five different countries and the tally has now risen to 55 up until the present day. Not content with claiming the majority of the big domestic races, he has ventured far and wide with globetrotting champions such as Falbrav
Falbrav
Falbrav is a retired Thoroughbred racehorse and active sire, bred in Ireland but trained in Italy and the United Kingdom during his racing career which ran from 2000 to 2004...
and Alkaased to win Group 1 races in Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
and Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
, respectively.
Cumani has also earned a reputation as a mentor to jockeys and assistant trainers. Frankie Dettori
Frankie Dettori
Lanfranco "Frankie" Dettori, MBE is an Italian horse racing jockey and celebrity. Dettori has been Champion Jockey on three occasions and has ridden the winners of more than 500 Group races.. He has had many successes in his role of stable jockey to Godolphin Racing...
, Jimmy Fortune, Jason Weaver, Royston Ffrench and Nicky Mackay are all previous Champion Apprentices who learnt their trade under his tutelage. Leading rider Kieren Fallon
Kieren Fallon
Kieren Francis Fallon is a professional flat racing jockey and has been British Champion Jockey six times....
is currently employed by Cumani, as is rider Kirsty Milczarek
Kirsty Milczarek
Kirsty Milczarek is a professional jockey, riding in thoroughbred horse races. She is of Polish descent but was born in the UK, where she is based in Newmarket.-Riding career:...
. Christophe Clement
Christophe Clement
Christophe Clement is a Thoroughbred horse trainer in the United States.- Racing background :Christophe Clement initially acquired his training skills from father Miguel, a leading trainer in France, Christophe later worked for the prominent French racing family of trainer Alec Head...
, James Toller, Jonathan Portman, Chris Wall, John Berry, David Simcock and Marco Botti are the best known current trainers that spent a portion of their formative years as assistant trainer to Luca.
Cumani is the father of Francesca Cumani, who has had some success as an amateur jockey and now works in Australia for Channel 7 during the Melbourne Cup Carnival in November.
Major wins
Great BritainGreat Britain
Great Britain or Britain is an island situated to the northwest of Continental Europe. It is the ninth largest island in the world, and the largest European island, as well as the largest of the British Isles...
- Champion StakesChampion StakesThe Champion Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain which is open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Ascot over a distance of 1 mile and 2 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in October...
- (1) - Legal Case (1989) - Cheveley Park StakesCheveley Park StakesThe Cheveley Park Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain which is open to two-year-old thoroughbred fillies. It is run on the Rowley Mile at Newmarket over a distance of 6 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in late September or early October.The event was...
- (1) - Embla (1985) - DerbyEpsom DerbyThe Derby Stakes, popularly known as The Derby, internationally as the Epsom Derby, and under its present sponsor as the Investec Derby, is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies...
- (2) - KahyasiKahyasiKahyasi was an Irish-bred and British-trained Thoroughbred racehorse, winner of the Epsom Derby in 1988.Kahyasi was trained by Luca Cumani during his racing career and was ridden by Ray Cochrane to a length-and-a-half victory over Glacial Storm in the Epsom Classic.He went on the win the Irish...
(1988), High-RiseHigh-Rise (horse)High-Rise is a retired Thoroughbred race horse and active sire, bred in Ireland, but trained in the United Kingdom, Dubai and the United States. He is best known as the winner of the Epsom Derby in 1998...
(1998) - Eclipse StakesEclipse StakesThe Eclipse Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Sandown Park over a distance of 1 mile, 2 furlongs and 7 yards , and it is scheduled to take place each year in early July.-History:The event is named after Eclipse, a...
- (1) - FalbravFalbravFalbrav is a retired Thoroughbred racehorse and active sire, bred in Ireland but trained in Italy and the United Kingdom during his racing career which ran from 2000 to 2004...
(2003) - Fillies' MileFillies' MileThe Fillies' Mile is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain which is open to two-year-old thoroughbred fillies. It is run at Newmarket over a distance of 1 mile , and it is scheduled to take place each year in late September....
- (3) - Shamshir (1990), Glorosia (1997), Gossamer (2001) - International StakesInternational StakesThe International Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at York over a distance of 1 mile, 2 furlongs and 88 yards , and it is scheduled to take place each year in August....
- (3) - Commanche Run (1985), One So Wonderful (1998), Falbrav (2003) - Lockinge StakesLockinge StakesThe Lockinge Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbreds aged four years or older. It is run at Newbury over a distance of 1 mile , and it is scheduled to take place each year in May.-History:...
- (1) - Then Again (1987) - Nassau StakesNassau StakesThe Nassau Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbred fillies and mares aged three years or older. It is run at Goodwood over a distance of 1 mile, 1 furlong and 192 yards , and it is scheduled to take place each year in late July or early August.-History:The title of...
- (1) - Free Guest (1985) - Queen Anne StakesQueen Anne StakesThe Queen Anne Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbreds aged four years or older. It is run at Ascot over a distance of 1 mile , and it is scheduled to take place each year in June....
- (3) - Then Again (1987), Markofdistinction (1990), Barathea (1994) - Queen Elizabeth II StakesQueen Elizabeth II StakesThe Queen Elizabeth II Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain which is open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Ascot over a distance of 1 mile , and it is now scheduled to take place each year in October. As of 2011, it is run on Champions Day as the final race...
- (3) - Markofdistinction (1990), Falbrav (2003), StarcraftStarcraft (horse)Starcraft is an Australian-owned Thoroughbred racehorse who came to international attention when he won the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Newmarket in England in September 2005...
(2005) - St. James's Palace StakesSt. James's Palace StakesThe St. James's Palace Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts. It is run at Ascot over a distance of 1 mile , and it is scheduled to take place each year in June....
- (2) - Bairn (1985), Half a Year (1987) - St. LegerSt. Leger StakesThe St. Leger Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain which is open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run at Doncaster over a distance of 1 mile, 6 furlongs and 132 yards , and it is scheduled to take place each year in September.Established in 1776, the St. Leger...
- (1) - Commanche Run (1984) - Sun Chariot StakesSun Chariot StakesThe Sun Chariot Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain which is open to thoroughbred fillies and mares aged three years or older. It is run on the Rowley Mile at Newmarket over a distance of 1 mile , and it is scheduled to take place each year in late September or early October.The...
- (6) - Free Guest (1984, 1985), Infamy (1987), Red Slippers (1992), One So Wonderful (1997), Kissogram (1998) - Sussex StakesSussex StakesThe Sussex Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Goodwood over a distance of 1 mile , and it is scheduled to take place each year in late July or early August.-History:...
- (1) - Second Set (1991) - Yorkshire OaksYorkshire OaksThe Yorkshire Oaks is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbred fillies and mares aged three years or older. It is run at York over a distance of 1 mile and 4 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in August....
- (2) - Only Royale (1993, 1994)
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CanadaCanada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
- Canadian International StakesCanadian International StakesThe Canadian International Stakes is a $2 million Grade I Canadian stakes race on Turf for thoroughbred racehorses three years of age and up held annually in October at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto, Ontario....
- (1) - Infamy (1988) - E. P. Taylor StakesE. P. Taylor StakesThe E. P. Taylor Stakes is a Canadian Thoroughbred horse race for fillies and mares held annually since 1956 in October at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto, Ontario run on the and the E. P. Taylor turf course at a distance of 1¼ miles....
- (2) - Sudden Love (1988), Zomaradah (1998)
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DubaiDubai
Dubai is a city and emirate in the United Arab Emirates . The emirate is located south of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula and has the largest population with the second-largest land territory by area of all the emirates, after Abu Dhabi...
- Dubai Duty FreeDubai Duty FreeThe Dubai Duty Free is a Group 1 flat horse race in the United Arab Emirates for four-year-old and above thoroughbreds run over a distance of 1,800 metres on the turf at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai during the Dubai World Cup Night in March....
- (1) - Presvis (2011)
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FranceFrance
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
- Grand Prix de Saint-CloudGrand Prix de Saint-CloudThe Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to thoroughbreds aged four years or older. It is run at Saint-Cloud over a distance of 2,400 metres , and it is scheduled to take place each year in late June.-History:...
- (1) - Alkaased (2005) - Prix d'IspahanPrix d'IspahanThe Prix d'Ispahan is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to thoroughbreds aged four years or older. It is run at Longchamp over a distance of 1,850 metres , and it is scheduled to take place each year in May.-History:...
- (1) - Falbrav (2003) - Prix du Moulin de LongchampPrix du Moulin de LongchampThe Prix du Moulin de Longchamp is a Group 1 flat horse race in France which is open to thoroughbred colts and fillies aged three years or older...
- (1) - Starcraft (2005) - Prix Royal-OakPrix Royal-OakThe Prix Royal-Oak is a Group 1 flat horse race in France which is open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Longchamp over a distance of 3,100 metres , and it is scheduled to take place each year in late October.-History:The event was established in 1861, and it was initially...
- (1) - Old Country (1983)
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Hong KongHong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
- Hong Kong CupHong Kong CupThe Hong Kong Cup is a Group 1 flat horse race in Hong Kong which is open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run over a distance of 2000 metres at Sha Tin, and it is scheduled to take place each year in mid December....
- (1) - Falbrav (2003) - Queen Elizabeth II CupQueen Elizabeth II CupThe Queen Elizabeth II Cup is a Group One Thoroughbred horse race at Sha Tin Racecourse in the New Territories, Hong Kong. Established in 1975 by the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club, it is run annually in April at a distance of 2,000 metres on turf. Prior to 1997 it was run at 2,200 metres...
- (1) - Presvis (2009)
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IrelandIreland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
- Irish 1,000 Guineas - (2) - Ensconse (1989), Gossamer (2002)
- Irish 2,000 Guineas - (1) - Barathea (1993)
- Irish Champion StakesIrish Champion StakesThe Irish Champion Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Ireland which is open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Leopardstown over a distance of 1 mile and 2 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in September.-History:The event was established in 1976, and...
- (1) - Commanche Run (1985) - Irish DerbyIrish Derby StakesThe Irish Derby is a Group 1 flat horse race in Ireland open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run at the Curragh over a distance of 1 mile and 4 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in late June or early July.It is Ireland's equivalent of the Epsom Derby,...
- (1) - Kahyasi (1988)
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ItalyItaly
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
- Derby ItalianoDerby ItalianoThe Derby Italiano is a Group 2 flat horse race in Italy open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run at Capannelle over a distance of 2,200 metres , and it is scheduled to take place each year in May....
- (1) - Old Country (1982) - Gran Premio d'ItaliaGran Premio d'ItaliaThe Gran Premio d'Italia is a Listed flat horse race in Italy which is open to three-year-old thoroughbreds. It is run at San Siro, Milan, over a distance of 2,200 metres , and it is scheduled to take place each year in June....
- (1) - Masad (1992) - Gran Premio di MilanoGran Premio di MilanoThe Gran Premio di Milano is a Group 1 flat horse race in Italy open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Milan over a distance of 2,400 metres , and it is scheduled to take place each year in June....
- (1) - Endless Hall (2000) - Oaks d'ItaliaOaks d'ItaliaThe Oaks d'Italia is a Group 2 flat horse race in Italy open to three-year-old thoroughbred fillies. It is run at Milan over a distance of 2,200 metres , and it is scheduled to take place each year in May or June....
- (2) - Zomaradah (1998), Contredanse (2010) - Premio Lydia TesioPremio Lydia TesioThe Premio Lydia Tesio is a Group 1 flat horse race in Italy which is open to thoroughbred fillies and mares aged three years or older. It is run at Capannelle, Rome, over a distance of 2,000 metres , and it is scheduled to take place each year in October.The event is named in honour of Lydia...
- (2) - Papering (1997), Zomaradah (1999) - Premio RomaPremio RomaThe Premio Roma is a Group 1 flat horse race in Italy which is open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Capannelle, Rome, over a distance 2,000 metres , and it is scheduled to take place each year in November....
- (2) - Old Country (1985), Legal Case (1990)
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JapanJapan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
- Japan CupJapan CupThe is the most prestigious horse race run in Japan. It is contested at the end of November at Tokyo Racecourse in Fuchu, Tokyo at a distance of 2400 meters over the grass. With a purse of ¥476 million , the Japan Cup is one of the richest races in the world.The Japan Cup is an invitational event...
- (1) - Alkaased (2005)
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SingaporeSingapore
Singapore , officially the Republic of Singapore, is a Southeast Asian city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, north of the equator. An island country made up of 63 islands, it is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the...
- Singapore Airlines International CupSingapore Airlines International CupThe Singapore Airlines International Cup is a Group 1 flat horse race in Singapore which is open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Kranji over a distance of 2,000 metres , and it is scheduled to take place each year in May....
- (1) - Endless Hall (2001)
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United StatesUnited States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
- Arlington MillionArlington MillionThe Arlington Million is a Grade 1 flathorse race in the United States for thoroughbred horses aged three years and upward. It is raced over a distance of 1¼ miles on the turf at Arlington Park, Arlington Heights, Illinois in August each year...
- (1) - Tolomeo (1983) - Breeders' Cup MileBreeders' Cup MileThe Breeders' Cup Mile is a Grade 1 Weight for Age stakes race for thoroughbred racehorses three years old and up, run on a grass course. It has been conducted annually as part of the Breeders' Cup World Championships since the event's inception in 1984...
- (1) - Barathea (1994)
External links
- Website http://www.lucacumani.com
- Biography at the National Thoroughbred Racing Association website.