LUCA Cumani is one of British racing's leading trainers, having enjoyed top-class success all over the world. Cumani has successfully overseen the careers of many great racehorses, achieving multiple Classic triumphs at home and abroad.

Born and raised in Italy, racing was in his blood as the son of champion amateur jockey Elena and champion trainer Sergio Cumani. He followed in both of their footsteps emulating first his mother and then his father. He was drawn to England in the mid-1970's obtaining the position of assistant trainer to Henry Cecil.

Here Luca began a tie with Newmarket that exists to this day. He acquired the historic Bedford House Stables in 1976 in his own name and a ceaseless supply of winners has been the result.

There have been a string of high points over the years. Cumani has twice won racing's most prestigious race - the Derby at Epsom - with Kahyasi victorious in 1988 and High Rise a decade later. Commanche Run had earlier given Cumani a St Leger win, while among other Classic stars to have resided in the yard have been Barathea, Ensconse, Zomaradah and Gossamer.

There are too many big-race successes to list but notably the Cumani team have tasted global success with brilliant performers such as Falbrav (Hong Kong Cup, Prix D'Ispahan, The Eclipse, The Queen Elizabeth II, Juddmonte International), Starcraft (Prix du Moulin, Queen Elizabeth II) and Alkaased (Japan Cup, Grand Prix de Saint Cloud). The Breeders' Cup has not gone uncharted, either, with Barathea (Irish 1,000 Guineas, Queen Anne) proving an outstanding winner of the Mile in 1994.

Cumani has registered important victories at all British racing's major festivals with the tally of Royal Ascot triumphs now in double figures. Glorious Goodwood and York's Ebor meeting have proved even better hunting grounds for him. The training operation of Luca and his wife Sara continues to be one of the most respected in European racing - and is likely to remain so for many seasons to come.