Ex-Love Island star-turned-racing presenter thanks ‘particular’ Cheltenham journey for profession
EXCLUSIVE: Frankie Foster has become one of the most recognisable faces in the horse racing world after celebrating a social media milestone – and the Cheltenham native knows plenty about the festival
Frankie Foster is one of the most recognisbale faces in horse racing
Former reality TV star Frankie Foster has emerged as one of the most recognisable faces in horse racing coverage thanks to his Cheltenham expertise.
After a brief spell on Love Island, Frankie has enjoyed plenty more success fronting Raceday TV’s coverage. The broadcaster has witnessed huge growth over the past two years and recently celebrated hitting one billion video views.
Cheltenham-born Frankie knows the festival inside out having attended every year for over a decade and his expertise of Prestbury Park comes to the fore at this time of year, with him also casting a keen eye over some of the biggest players in this year’s running.
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Speaking exclusively to the Daily Star Sport, Frankie said: “I grew up there but I now live in London and it’s the first racecourse I went racing at – that’s how I got into racing going to the Gold Cup when I was about 17 and loved it.
“That became a trip every time Cheltenham races were on. It’s special because it’s such a cool event and it’s the clash and the coming together of all the horses that racing fans have been following throughout the season.
“But there is definitely an element of it’s where I grew up, I catch up with old friends and see plenty of people from the industry. It’s a festival and everyone is up for a good time.”
Frankie’s journey on Raceday TV has taken him to some of the most spectacular racecourses around the globe and his involvement has helped shape its success.
“They made the decision that they wanted to be more present on social media and in a way that engaged the fans. I got asked to be one of the first presenters on it.
“I guess I ticked both boxes in terms of having a following on social media and being interested in horse racing and someone that could be the glue between a racing fan and casual sports fan or a once a year racing fan.
“That was four to five years ago and I had no presenting experience. No idea what the job was at the time. I just knew I liked racing and it sounded like good fun so I gave it a go and then I haven’t stopped since.
“I’m lucky I’ve gone round the world and what’s cool about horse racing around the world is that every racing destination is cool in its own way. Happy Valley is exciting and under the lights in the city. Del Mar in Southern California and not too far from the beach and beautiful sunset. Your classic racing in Ireland with the pubs and all the sort of Irish charm
“They’re all enjoyable in their own way I think that as a whole is what I love about it is everyone and every place is slightly different but horse racing kind of accesses the medium for me, meeting people, going places and connecting with people.”
