Windsor racecourse was rolling out the red carpet on Monday night as talent show mogul Simon Cowell was at the royal track for a night out and when collared by Sky Racing’s Matt Chapman he had some kind words for the marmite presenter.
Plus, Simon Cowell also offered Matt Chapman’s daughter Coco, who is currently appearing in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, an invitation for an open audition.
Simon Cowell Tells Matt Chapman “You’re Really, Really Good At What You Do” In Surprise Windsor Races Interview
Talent show judge Simon Cowell is often seen given his opinions on singers, magicians and dance acts – but on Monday night at Windsor races the Britain’s Got Talent star was giving his views on horse racing presenters – and in particular Matt Chapman.
Chapman, who was a regular on ITV Racing at last week’s Royal Ascot, was donning the Sky Sports Racing mic this time and after seeing Simon Cowell in the parade ring before the 6:25pm at Windsor on Monday night – he made a beeline for the X Factor man.
The good news for Chapman is that Simon Cowell knows him and it seems is also a big fan of the ‘Yeeehaa’ presenter.
Telling Chappers “I watch you all the time, I’m a big fan”.
Matt Chapman jokingly questioned Cowell – “has someone put you up to saying that”?
With Cowell going onto say “Seriously, I’m a huge fan, you do a brilliant job and are really, really, really good at what you do”.
WATCH: The Full Matt Chapman/Simon Cowell Windsor Races Interview Here
Well I wasn’t expecting that! Super kind words and what fun with @SimonCowell @WindsorRaces on a night out with @EventmastersUK. Eric was charming too…class 🏇🕺🏿 pic.twitter.com/X2PA82toa9
— Matt Chapman (@MCYeeehaaa) June 23, 2025
Matt Chapman Also Pitches Himself To Simon Cowell To Takeover From Ant and Dec
Which led Matt Chapman to suggest if Ant and Dec are ever not available and if he can find a sidekick – he’s the man for the job.
With Cowell saying tongue-in-cheek.
“We can negotiate something” – and Chapman adding ” There’s no need to negotiate – I’d do it for nothing”
Although not a Cowell show, Matt Chapman’s only step away from horse racing coverage was when asked to commentate on ITV’s Dancing On Ice in 2018.
However, Chapman didn’t last long and left after just ONE show – being replaced by Sky Sports man Sam Matterface.
It’s believed Simon Cowell was at Windsor races on Monday with EventMastersUK – saying he goes once-a-year to this meeting and it’s his favourite of all the horse racing tracks.
Simon Cowell Offers Matt Chapman’s Daughter ‘Coco’ An Open Invitation Audition
There’s more.
The three-minute long interview also saw Matt Chapman introduced to Simon Cowell’s famous son Eric, who is often seen just off camera on BGT and the X Factor.
However, it was Chapman’s offspring that got more attention as the Sky Sports Racing man reminded the judging legend of a conversation they had in the past.
Saying about five years ago at Epsom races Chapman said he asked Cowell to do a video for him to try and get his daughter Coco to learn her times tables.
With the video ending with Cowell saying “Coco, if you do it – I promise you one day I will let you come on one of my shows and audition.”
Since then, Chapman’s daughter Coco has done well – she’s been performing on stage with Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – aged 10 for the last eight months.
Chapman added that she’s very close to that moment (auditioning).
With led Simon Cowell end the interview and say “you have an open invitation to audition Coco – just do it”
Can’t tell you how proud I am to reveal my little one Coco is going on tour with @JosephMusical @OfficialALW 🐪🐫🌈. Huge opportunity and a rigorous audition process. Terrific work from @EjcManagement and she only has to last two shows to go one better than me @dancingonice 🕺🙈 pic.twitter.com/Fvs5eUxZiZ
— Matt Chapman (@MCYeeehaaa) October 20, 2024
Simon Cowell Was Part Owner Of 2005 Epsom Derby Winner Motivator
Cowell is also no stranger to the world of horse racing – having been part-owner of the 2005 Epsom Derby winner Motivator.
Trained by Michael Bell, the 3 year-old colt romped away with the Derby that year under jockey Johnny Murtagh – winning by five lengths.
The horse was owned by the Royal Ascot Racing Club – of his Simon Cowell was a member.
Simon Cowell also famously owned another horse with Ant and Dec called “It’s a Yes From Me”. Buying the thoroughbred for a reported £35,000 back in 2011.
However, unfortunately the horse didn’t have much ‘talent’ and never won a race from his six career runs – and not winning a single penny in prize money.
Watch: Motivator Winning The 2005 Derby
