Among the eclectic cast of ITV Racing presenters and pundits, Matt Chapman is one of the most distinctive and instantly recognisable voices. Renowned for his punchy, direct, and at times outspoken comments, Matt’s style initially attracted the “Marmite” label.
However, as the years have passed, Matt is more likely to be referred to as “the people’s presenter” – not a tag he likes himself, but one which reflects his affinity with the British punting public. With no family ties to the sport, Matt has reached his high-profile position via a combination of hard work and a deep passion for horse racing, which shines through in every broadcast.
The Early Years: Excelling at Sport, Captivated by Racing
Born in Guildford in 1971, Matt Chapman had no family links to the racing industry. However, his parents were at least fans of the sport. Matt recalls visits to Sandown and Fontwell in his youth and quickly became fascinated by the problem-solving aspect of horse racing. When asked why he initially found the sport so appealing, Chapman states:
“The same thing that makes kids today love computer games – solving the puzzle. Everyone likes to be right in life, and horse racing provides a great platform to be proved right.”
Matt was educated at the prestigious Radley College in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, where he gained a partly funded place as an academically strong boy from a non-wealthy background. While at Radley, Matt played rugby, cricket, and racquet sports, showing a particular talent for the traditional handball game of fives. However, it was horse racing which held his heart.
1993-2000: Matt Chapman, the Racing Journalist
Having completed his time at Radley College, Matt moved to London and gained a degree in History and Music. His first steps into racing journalism came during his final year at university, when working one day a week on the racing desk of The Independent.
Wasting little time, Matt took up a junior editorial position at the International Racing Bureau (IRB) the day after his graduation. Based in the racing heartland of Newmarket, his time at the IRB allowed him to significantly expand his knowledge of the international racing scene. Matt’s next stop took him to the Racing Post, where he worked as a journalist for eight years. During his time at the Racing Post, Matt developed a reputation for forging a rapport with even the most difficult trainers and jockeys, including the brilliant but secretive Martin Pipe.
MC Yeeeehaaa is Born
Despite his success at the Racing Post, Matt harboured ambitions to move into presenting. His big break came when Racing Channel Director of Programming George Irvine granted him a trial at the channel. Having impressed during his screen test, Matt landed a job on the US racing-focused “Stateside” show. Boasting a mix of analysis and irreverent discussion, “Stateside” became a cult hit with viewers. It was during this late-night show that Matt earned the nickname MC Yeeeehaa, which he still uses as his social media handle – the MC being a nod to his initials and Master of Ceremonies, and the Yeeeehaaa the cry with which he regularly hailed winners on the show.
The Racing Channel closed in 2003, but Matt soon followed George Irvine to At The Races, which later became Sky Sports Racing. Presenting shows including On The Line and The Booth, Matt’s bombastic style instantly made him stand out from the crowd of UK racing presenters.
Not loved by all racing fans, at least not at first, Matt found himself filed in the Marmite category. However, he received a significant seal of approval when handed the Broadcaster of the Year Award by the Horserace Writers and Photographers Association in 2010. That same year, he also won the Racing Post Broadcasters World Cup, which was decided by public vote.
Matt Arrives on Terrestrial TV
Having acquired the rights to UK racing in 2016, ITV approached Matt to become a member of the new presenting team. Happily accepting the role as betting ring correspondent, he was part of the line-up when the new show launched on 1st January 2017. Over the years, Matt’s role has broadened to cover presenting duties, including occasional anchor roles on The Opening Show. On race day, he has earned praise for his pre- and post-race interviews with the biggest trainers and jockeys – often asking the questions others wouldn’t.
PR Director, Jockeys’ Agent, and Dancing on Ice Disaster
Matt’s career has largely stuck to the written and visual media path. However, there have been diversions along the way. During his early years with At The Races, he also served as the PR Director of the Tote – a role he thought he had no chance of getting, and which lasted only six months before his dismissal.
In 2001, Chapman added a new string to his bow when he became the agent to leading jockey Darryll Holland. Matt struck gold when securing his client the ride aboard Falbrav, who went on to win three Group 1 contests with Holland in the saddle. Whilst admitting that this was one of the toughest jobs of his career, Matt has stated he would consider acting as an agent again if the right opportunity arose.
One of Matt’s more recent detours came in 2018 when landing the job as the commentator on the ITV show Dancing On Ice. Unfortunately, this venture into the prime-time world of celebrity ice skating was much briefer than planned. Amidst mixed reviews from the audience, Matt was let go after one episode and replaced by Sam Matterface.
Matt the Family Man
With quotes such as, “If it means staying up until 4.00 am and going to work at 6.00 am, then that is what you do.” Matt Chapman is renowned for his work ethic and dedication to the sport. In addition to his roles with ITV and Sky Sports Racing, he has written regular columns for the Sun newspaper, produced the Unbridled horse racing podcast, served as an ambassador for Paddy Power, and worked as a commentator at Towcester Greyhound Track.
Away from racing, presenting and his other endeavours, Matt can most often be found spending time with his wife, who tends to stay away from the limelight, and daughter, Coco, a regular star of his social media posts.