The Panel

Shane Anderson

Shane’s passion has always been horse racing on the global scene and he has covered many of the world’s great race meetings. He is the international racing commentator for Radio Sport National and brings a wealth of global thoroughbred racing and breeding industry knowledge to Radio Sport National.

As host of Radio Sport National’s Racing Ahead and The Thoroughbred programs, Shane is at the forefront of racing news in Australia and around the world and provides detailed coverage of all the major issues affecting the racing industry.

Shane also appears on Racing Round The World for Sky Racing.

Francesca Cumani

Francesca Cumani is part of the Cumani horse racing dynasty – one of Europe’s great racing families. Since a young age, she has worked in all aspects of the family business.

She has recently expanded her interests into racing media, having rapidly established herself as an international racing expert.

Francesca has attended the last four Spring Racing Carnivals and has become a highly regarded racing celebrity. She is contracted to Network Seven to be part of its broadcast of the next three Melbourne Cup Carnivals.

Mal Johnston

Miracle Mal Johnston is regarded as one of Australia’s greatest ever jockeys.

Major race wins include W.S. Cox Plate on the great Kingston Town, Caulfield Cup, Doncaster Handicap (twice), Epsom Handicap (twice), five Derbies, two Oaks, Sydney Cup, Adelaide Cup and Lightning Stakes (twice).

In all Johnston rode 49 Group One winners and more than 2000 winners. His association with Kingston Town was legendary; winning 25 races on the champion including five Group One wins as a 3YO.

As well as regularly appearing on the Australian speaker’s circuit, today Mal is employed by Racing NSW educating young apprentice jockeys. He also has a spot on the popular Sky show “Off The Rails”

Tom Waterhouse

Racing is in Tom Waterhouse’s blood. The son of Australia’s first lady Gai, and bookmaker Robbie, Tom represents the fourth generation of Waterhouse bookmakers.

With Tom’s inside knowledge and passion for the sport, it is no surprise he is Australia’s leading on course bookmaker. And even less of a surprise that he has moved his enterprise online.

It’s not all work though, Tom showed his lighter side as a contestant on Dancing with the Stars. And on the rare occasions his tote bag’s stored away, he loves testing out some of the world’s most challenging ski slopes.

Tom splits his week between Melbourne and Sydney and recently retired as one of the east coast’s favorite bachelors by getting engaged to Hoda Vakili, who he will marry in 2011.