Derby-winning trainer Luca Cumani recovering after being rushed to hospital

Recently retired trainer Luca Cumani is on the mend after being rushed to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge on Tuesday evening with a respiratory problem.

The multiple Classic-winning trainer, who turned 70 last Sunday, was found to be suffering from a rare condition known as epiglottitis which more commonly affects much younger people. Epiglottitis is inflammation of the epiglottis – the flap at the base of the tongue that keeps food from going into the windpipe.

Cumani, who quit training last November after a 43-year career, still resides in the house at Bedford House Stables, from where his wife Sara called for an ambulance.

Speaking on Thursday, Sara said: "Luca was having trouble breathing so we took no chances and the doctors said they haven't seen a case like his in 25 years. It was like an aggressive inflammation of his throat and was suffocating him but they've managed to treat it.

Luca Cumani with the exceptional FalbravCredit: Edward Whitaker

"He'll be in hospital for a few days, although if it was up to him he'd be out today. Hopefully he'll be able to be back on the gallops to watch horses like Felix, who we have with Sir Michael Stoute, in the near future."

Cumani twice won the Derby, with Kahyasi in 1988 and High-Rise in 1998. He also sent out Commanche Run to win the 1984 St Leger. His most prolific Group 1 winner was Falbrav, who won five times at the highest level during an outstanding campaign in 2003.

Since retiring from training Cumani has focused his attention on running Fittocks Stud.

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