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Doncaster’s St Leger Festival takes centre stage on Saturday 12 September 2026, with live coverage on ITV1, ITVX and STV in Scotland, making this one of the biggest free-to-air racing broadcasts of the season. The afternoon card begins at 13:00 UK time, and viewers can follow the action across TV and streaming as Ed Chamberlin fronts the programme alongside Francesca Cumani, with Richard Hoiles on commentary and a strong supporting team of Jason Weaver, Leonna Mayor, Oli Bell, Luke Harvey and Matt Chapman. ITV’s schedule lists live racing from Doncaster on ITV1 and STV from 13:15 to 16:30, with ITVX and STV Player carrying the coverage online.ITV schedule
Ed Chamberlin has become one of British sport’s most recognisable racing presenters, having moved from Sky Sports into ITV’s revamped horse racing coverage in 2017 as its main anchor. He is widely associated with big-event broadcasting, bringing a polished, broad-appeal style that has helped ITV Racing reach both dedicated punters and casual viewers. Beside him, Francesca Cumani has established herself as one of the most familiar faces in modern racing television, combining on-air analysis with a strong background in international racing media. Her profile was boosted further when she and Chamberlin won Broadcaster Sports Presenter of the Year at the British Sports Journalism Awards in 2018, underlining the impact of their partnership on ITV’s racing output.
The voice most viewers will hear calling the action is Richard Hoiles, ITV Racing’s main commentator since the channel’s return to live racing. Hoiles is known for his crisp, authoritative race reading and has built a strong reputation across British sport, particularly in horse racing, where clarity and pace are essential during fast-moving finishes. His role remains central to ITV’s presentation of major race days, especially when the spotlight falls on headline contests such as the St Leger itself.
Supporting the main presentation team, Jason Weaver continues to offer flat-racing analysis drawn from a distinguished career in the saddle and in the paddock. His insight into race tactics and horse behaviour gives ITV’s coverage a grounded, professional edge. Leonna Mayor, meanwhile, adds another layer of racing knowledge and media experience, bringing a modern, energetic presence to the broadcast team. Together, they help shape the programme into a blend of analysis, storytelling and practical race insight that suits both experienced racing fans and newer audiences.
The roaming reporting team of Oli Bell, Luke Harvey and Matt Chapman gives ITV Racing its live-event feel. Bell has been a familiar television presence since the Racing UK era and is well known for his polished field reporting and presenter experience. Harvey, a former jockey, has developed into one of racing’s most recognisable broadcast personalities, respected for his direct style and industry insight. Chapman is equally well known to racing audiences for his outspoken, energetic approach and extensive background in journalism and betting-ring analysis. His wider career has included work with the Racing Post and Sky Sports Racing, helping him become one of the most distinctive voices in the sport.
The Doncaster programme itself is a major highlight, with the day featuring Group-race action and the historic Betfred St Leger, one of the most famous Classics in world racing. Doncaster has long been central to the British Flat calendar, and the St Leger Festival routinely draws global attention because it combines heritage, top-class horses and strong television coverage. For British and overseas audiences alike, ITV’s free-to-air broadcast remains one of the easiest ways to follow the action live, whether on television or via streaming through ITVX and STV Player.
With a strong presenting line-up, an experienced commentator and a packed race programme, Saturday’s Doncaster coverage has all the ingredients of a flagship racing broadcast. For viewers wondering where to watch and who is calling the action, the answer is simple: ITV1, ITVX and STV, with Ed Chamberlin, Francesca Cumani and Richard Hoiles leading a seasoned team that has become synonymous with major British racing coverage.
Article generated: 12 September 2026, 13:01 GMT