John Hunt on BBC Radio 5 Live and Ed Chamberlin with Richard Hoiles on ITV: where to watch UK and Ireland racing

On Friday, 17 October 2026, the UK and Ireland horse racing programme known as Ascot returns for action at 13:00 UK time, and two of the industry's best-known voices will be guiding viewers from their respective studios. The BBC once again hands its commentary to John Hunt, the veteran behind BBC Radio 5 Live, while ITV1 brings its own comprehensive coverage of the opening day's racing, presented by Ed Chamberlin alongside racing analyst Francesca Cumani and led by the veteran commentator Richard Hoiles.

For those tuning in, the BBC's contribution arrives over Radio 5 Live, the long-established channel through which the sport's most recognisable commentary is delivered throughout the season. ITV's coverage runs across its main screens and feeds, including ITV1, HD, ITVX, STV (Scotland), HD and the STV Player platform, ensuring that viewers have plenty of ways to follow the day's proceedings from home.

The voice of BBC Radio 5 Live

John Hunt is the man behind one of British horse racing's most instantly recognisable voices. Born in 1965, he is a British sports commentator who most often provides racing commentary and has served as the lead horse racing commentator for BBC Radio 5 Live for more than two decades. His vivid descriptions have brought the biggest events to life, from Royal Ascot on the flat to the jumping highlights of the Cheltenham Festival and the Aintree Grand National.

His reach extends beyond horse racing: John Hunt is also the regular commentary provider for the BBC's coverage of the Winter Olympic Games' opening ceremonies and sliding events, as well as for swimming at the Summer Olympic Games. That breadth of experience makes him a natural anchor for Friday's programme, and his presence over Radio 5 Live is once again the thread that ties the season's coverage together.

ITV's TV-side coverage

On the television side, ITV1 brings comprehensive coverage of the opening day's racing. Ed Chamberlin presents the programme alongside racing analyst Francesca Cumani, with the broadcaster's expert team led by veteran commentator Richard Hoiles. Together they guide viewers through the day's action across the programme's various channels, ensuring the sport is captured from every angle.

The ITV lineup is rounded out by a set of pundits and reporters who help keep the coverage lively and informed. Jason Weaver is one of the pundits on hand, and he features prominently alongside Ruby Walsh, Adele Mulrennan and the reporters Matt Chapman, Luke Harvey and Oli Bell. Their combined work provides a rich, up-to-the-minute picture of how the day's races are developing.

Ahead of the action

The ITV team has been building the season's coverage together in recent weeks, appearing across multiple channels and sharing their analysis of the programme's major events. That shared history means the team is well placed to offer viewers a clear and engaging guide to Friday's racing, from the early runs through to the closing stages of the day.

For anyone keen to follow the programme, the BBC's Radio 5 Live commentary from John Hunt offers the sport's classic national broadcast, while ITV1's coverage provides a full television experience fronted by Ed Chamberlin, Francesca Cumani and Richard Hoiles. Between them, the two broadcasters cover the full UK and Ireland racing programme on 17 October 2026, giving British and global viewers alike every opportunity to follow the day's action.

For background on one of the season's most trusted voices, the profile of John Hunt is a useful reference, capturing the way he has long anchored British racing commentary from the BBC across both horse racing and Olympic coverage.

Article generated: 17 October 2026, 13:02 GMT