Who is commentating Newbury’s Lockinge Stakes? BBC Radio 5 Live and ITV1 coverage details

Match date: 16 May 2026

The Boyle Sports Lockinge Stakes at Newbury is one of the headline races on Saturday’s UK and Ireland racing programme, and viewers and listeners have a strong choice of where to follow the action. In the UK, the race is being covered on BBC Radio 5 Live with John Hunt reporting, while television audiences can tune in to ITV1, ITVX and, in Scotland, STV and STV Player. For racing fans who want the familiar studio build-up, expert analysis and live race commentary, the broadcast team is anchored by some of the most recognisable voices in horse racing coverage.

On ITV’s coverage, Ed Chamberlin presents the programme, continuing a broadcasting career that made him one of the best-known figures in British sport. Chamberlin was a long-time face of Sky Sports’ football coverage before becoming the lead presenter for ITV’s horse racing output, where his calm, enthusiastic style has helped make big-race days accessible to both regular punters and casual viewers. Behind the microphone, Richard Hoiles is the main commentator, bringing his distinctive, accurate call to one of the season’s key mile contests. Hoiles is widely regarded as one of racing’s top commentators and has been a familiar presence on major domestic and international occasions for years.

The punditry team also adds serious depth. Jason Weaver, a former Group 1-winning jockey, has become one of the most respected analysts in the sport, combining first-hand racing experience with clear tactical insight. Kevin Blake, the Irish broadcaster and writer, is known for his data-led approach and sharp race analysis, and his views are followed closely by racing enthusiasts across Britain and Ireland. Together, they provide the sort of detailed breakdown that can help explain pace, tactics, ground conditions and how the form might translate to the day’s contest.

Field-side reporting comes from Megan Nicholls and Matt Chapman. Nicholls, who rode as an apprentice jockey before moving into media, has established herself as an articulate and knowledgeable reporter with genuine racing experience. Chapman, meanwhile, is one of the sport’s most energetic broadcasters, known for his long-standing work across racing television and radio. Their interviews and live updates often add atmosphere, colour and a sense of immediacy to the biggest meetings. For listeners preferring audio coverage, John Hunt remains a trusted racing reporter, bringing experience and clarity to BBC Radio 5 Live’s coverage.

The Lockinge Stakes is a major Group 1 contest and one of the key older-horse mile races in the British Flat calendar. It often serves as an important early-season pointer for horses aiming at summer targets such as Royal Ascot and beyond. This year’s racecard at Newbury includes high-class runners such as Rosallion, Mississippi River and Sahlan, underlining the strength of the field and the race’s importance to the wider season. Newbury’s straight mile frequently rewards balance, pace judgement and the ability to finish strongly, making commentary and analysis especially valuable for viewers trying to follow the tactical shape of the race.

For anyone looking to watch along, the broadcast set-up is straightforward: ITV1 and ITVX carry the televised action in England and Wales, while STV and STV Player serve Scottish audiences. The race is also available on BBC Radio 5 Live for those who prefer radio commentary, which remains a popular option for fans on the move. British racing’s TV rights are shared across major broadcasters, but ITV’s free-to-air coverage continues to be one of the most important ways the sport reaches a broad audience.

As ever with a Group 1 day at Newbury, the combination of a strong field, experienced presenters and top-class commentary should make for compelling viewing. If you want to follow the race closely, the broadcast team offers an excellent blend of expertise and entertainment, with Richard Hoiles, Jason Weaver, Kevin Blake, Megan Nicholls, Matt Chapman, Ed Chamberlin and John Hunt all playing their part in bringing the action to life.

For more on the race meeting, see Racing TV’s racecards for 16 May 2026.

Article generated: 16 May 2026, 13:02 GMT