A gift from God? Cumani bids to bow out with Group 1 success

3.00 CapannellePremio Lydia Tesio Sisal Matchpoint (Group 1) | 1m2f | 3yo+

Luca Cumani seeks one last hurrah before bringing his training career to a close next month as God Given goes in search of Group 1 glory.

Cumani, 69, revealed last month that he will end his 43-year term as a trainer in the next few weeks, prompting a flood of goodwill and tributes flowing his way in the days since the announcement.

Asked about the reaction to his decision to retire, Cumani said: “It’s been fantastic and a particular thrill to be able to read my own obituary without having to die first!

"It’s been very flattering and I had no idea people held me in such high regard. It's very kind of them.”

Cumani has earned respect and admiration for his achievements through his handling of a number of high-class individuals over the years, including two previous winners of the Premio Lydia Tesio – Papering in 1997 and Zomaradah, the dam of leading stallion Dubawi, in 1999.

In God Given, Cumani has another filly who has shown top-level form through her career with the highlight coming in the Group 2 Park Hill Stakes at Doncaster in September.

"My previous winners were high-class fillies and God Given is very similar to them," Cumani said. "She’s a Group 2 and multiple Group 3 winner, so you’d like to think she can run well in a race like this.

"The trip might be a little bit short for her. She prefers a mile and a half to a mile and three-quarters, but this is her last chance to win a Group 1 this season.

Nyaleti: represents Mark Johnston in ItalyCredit: Alan Crowhurst

"The ground will be on the soft side so we’ll give it a shot and see how she gets on. If nothing else, we’ll be able to have a good lunch in Rome."

God Given is not the only British-trained runner competing in the Premio Lydia Tesio, with German 1,000 Guineas-winner Nyaleti running for Mark Johnston and Snowy Winter representing Archie Watson.

Grosser Preis des Olympischen Dorfes in Berlin von 1936 - Herzog von Ratibor-Rennen (Group 3) | 1m½f | 2yo

Certain Lad looks to have a leading chance of adding to his Listed victory in Lyon last time when he lines up against seven rivals in Germany.

Charlie Bishop: rider of Certain Lad

Jockey Charles Bishop, who partnered the Mick Channon-trained juvenile when fourth to Quorto in the Superlative Stakes in July, is on board.

He said: “I'm looking forward to it, he has a great chance. His form is pretty solid. It's an extended mile on softish ground but, if everything goes to plan, he should take a lot of beating.”

If you are interested in this, you should read:

Legendary trainer Luca Cumani to end illustrious career after 43 years

Mastermind: Stoute and Gosden praise Luca Cumani's ability to excel

Prescott hails retiring Cumani's 'great style, elegance and sharp intellect'

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