Charlsie Cantey
Encyclopedia
Charlsie Cantey one of broadcasting's veteran thoroughbred
horse racing
analysts, is an American
sportscaster
who worked for ESPN
(1985–2002), ABC Sports
(1986–2000), WOR-TV (1975–1977), CBS Sports
(1977–1986), USA Network
(2002–2005) and NBC Sports
(2000–2005).
then two years at George Washington University
, graduating in 1968 despite missing class a number of times to ride horses. She was an exercise rider for Ruffian
when Frank Whiteley first started training the legendary filly in late 1973 in Camden, South Carolina, and she later became a horse trainer
.
Cantey appeared on TV on What's My Line? as the trainer of a thoroughbred named Arlene Francis, which was named after one of the show's stars; the real Arlene Francis
failed to guess her occupation.
When Cantey was an exercise rider at Belmont Park
in 1975, WOR-TV chose her to co-host that station's weekly racing programs with Frank Wright and Dave Johnson
. WOR, which at the time aired the most sports coverage of any station in the country with 1,000 hours per year, broadcast three thoroughbred racing programs -- Racing from Belmont, Racing from Aqueduct
and Racing from Saratoga
-- reaching 300,000 viewers each week. New York Racing Association
executive director for TV and film Bill Creasy wanted to add a woman to the program, but more importantly, someone who could explain horse racing to the audience. Cantey was recommended by Frank Tours, who had played a major role in racing shows for KNXT
in Los Angeles
for 13 years. She owned the gelding
Too Many Chiefs, the oldest horse active on New York tracks.
contributor for NFL
, NBA, America's Cup
and horse racing coverage. She also served as a panel member on CBS' The NFL Today
in 1984
replacing Phyllis George
, who went on maternity Leave.
From 1985 to 2002, Cantey was a reporter and analyst for Racing Across America for ESPN
.
, she served as an expert analyst and reporter for ABC's Wide World of Sports live coverage of major Kentucky Derby
prep races from 1986 through 2001.
In November 2000, Cantey joined NBC Sports as its expert analyst during the network's coverage of the 2000 Breeders' Cup
. She worked for NBC
for 5 years (2000–2005).
From 2002-2005, Cantey became a reporter for USA Network
coverage of the Westminster Kennel Club. At that time, Cantey had covered Triple Crown races for 17 consecutive years, moving from CBS to ABC Sports and then NBC Sports. Also for NBC, she covered Breeders' Cup
races. Cantey continued to train horses.
Cantey decided to retire from television after the 2005 Breeders' Cup. She was one of several investors from NBC who owned the filly
Conflict of Interest.
Her first husband was trainer
Joseph B. Cantey whom she married in 1969 in Camden, South Carolina
. As of 1976, Charlsie was 30, and her husband had been a trainer for five years.
Cantey is married to Douglas Davidson and lives in Laurel, Maryland
.
Thoroughbred
The Thoroughbred is a horse breed best known for its use in horse racing. Although the word thoroughbred is sometimes used to refer to any breed of purebred horse, it technically refers only to the Thoroughbred breed...
horse racing
Horse racing
Horse racing is an equestrian sport that has a long history. Archaeological records indicate that horse racing occurred in ancient Babylon, Syria, and Egypt. Both chariot and mounted horse racing were events in the ancient Greek Olympics by 648 BC...
analysts, is an American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
sportscaster
Sportscaster
In sports broadcasting, a commentator gives a running commentary of a game or event in real time, usually during a live broadcast. The comments are normally a voiceover, with the sounds of the action and spectators also heard in the background. In the case of television commentary, the commentator...
who worked for ESPN
Thoroughbred Racing on ESPN
ESPN and ESPN2's coverage of Thoroughbred racing currently consists of NTRA Racing to the Kentucky Derby, The Breeders' Cup on ESPN. In addition, ESPN on ABC broadcasts a portion of the Breeders Cup. Among its regulars on its horse racing telecasts are hosts Joe Tessitore and Kenny Mayne, along...
(1985–2002), ABC Sports
ESPN on ABC
ESPN on ABC is the brand used for sports programming on the ABC television network. Officially the broadcast network retains its own sports division; however, for all practical purposes, ABC's sports division has been merged with ESPN, a sports cable network majority-owned by ABC's parent, The...
(1986–2000), WOR-TV (1975–1977), CBS Sports
CBS Sports
CBS Sports is a division of CBS Broadcasting which airs sporting events on the American television network. Its headquarters are in the CBS Building on West 52nd Street in midtown Manhattan, New York City, with programs produced out of Studio 43 at the CBS Broadcast Center on West 57th Street.CBS...
(1977–1986), USA Network
USA Network
USA Network is an American cable television channel launched in 1971. Once a minor player in basic cable, the network has steadily gained popularity because of breakout hits like Monk, Psych, Burn Notice, Royal Pains, Covert Affairs, White Collar, Monday Night RAW, Suits, and reruns of the various...
(2002–2005) and NBC Sports
NBC Sports
NBC Sports is the sports division of the NBC television network. Formerly "a service of NBC News," it broadcasts a diverse array of programs, including the Olympic Games, the NFL, the NHL, MLS, Notre Dame football, the PGA Tour, the Triple Crown, and the French Open, among others...
(2000–2005).
Early career
Cantey studied for two years at Mount Vernon College for WomenMount Vernon College for Women
Mount Vernon College for Women was a private women's college in Washington, D.C. It merged with George Washington University in 1999 and is now known as the Mount Vernon Campus of The George Washington University....
then two years at George Washington University
George Washington University
The George Washington University is a private, coeducational comprehensive university located in Washington, D.C. in the United States...
, graduating in 1968 despite missing class a number of times to ride horses. She was an exercise rider for Ruffian
Ruffian
A ruffian is a scoundrel, rascal or unprincipled, deceitful, and unreliable person.As a proper noun, Ruffian may refer to:*Ruffian , a famous thoroughbred filly racehorse*Ruffian , 2007 television movie about the racehorse...
when Frank Whiteley first started training the legendary filly in late 1973 in Camden, South Carolina, and she later became a horse trainer
Horse trainer
In horse racing, a trainer prepares a horse for races, with responsibility for exercising it, getting it race-ready and determining which races it should enter...
.
Cantey appeared on TV on What's My Line? as the trainer of a thoroughbred named Arlene Francis, which was named after one of the show's stars; the real Arlene Francis
Arlene Francis
Arlene Francis was an American actress, radio talk show host, and game show panelist...
failed to guess her occupation.
When Cantey was an exercise rider at Belmont Park
Belmont Park
Belmont Park is a major thoroughbred horse-racing facility located in Elmont in the Town of Hempstead in Nassau County, New York, on Long Island adjoining New York City. It first opened on May 4, 1905...
in 1975, WOR-TV chose her to co-host that station's weekly racing programs with Frank Wright and Dave Johnson
Dave Johnson (announcer)
Dave Johnson is an American announcer and sportscaster, best known for his work in horse racing with ABC and NBC Sports and at various race tracks in New York and New Jersey...
. WOR, which at the time aired the most sports coverage of any station in the country with 1,000 hours per year, broadcast three thoroughbred racing programs -- Racing from Belmont, Racing from Aqueduct
Aqueduct Racetrack
Aqueduct Racetrack is a thoroughbred horse-racing facility and racino in Ozone Park, Queens, New York. Its racing meets usually are from late October/early November through April.-History:...
and Racing from Saratoga
Saratoga Race Course
Saratoga Race Course is a Thoroughbred horse racing track in Saratoga Springs, New York, United States. It opened on August 3, 1863, and is the oldest organized sporting venue of any kind in the United States. It is typically open for racing from late July through early September.-History:John...
-- reaching 300,000 viewers each week. New York Racing Association
New York Racing Association
The New York Racing Association, Inc. is the not-for-profit corporation that operates the three largest thoroughbred horse-racing tracks in the state of New York. It runs Aqueduct Racetrack in South Ozone Park, Queens, Belmont Park in Elmont, Long Island , and Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga...
executive director for TV and film Bill Creasy wanted to add a woman to the program, but more importantly, someone who could explain horse racing to the audience. Cantey was recommended by Frank Tours, who had played a major role in racing shows for KNXT
KCBS-TV
KCBS-TV, channel 2, is an owned-and-operated television station of the CBS Television Network, located in Los Angeles, California. KCBS-TV shares its offices and studio facilities with sister station KCAL-TV inside CBS Studio Center in the Studio City section of Los Angeles, and its transmitter...
in Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
for 13 years. She owned the gelding
Gelding
A gelding is a castrated horse or other equine such as a donkey or a mule. Castration, and the elimination of hormonally driven behavior associated with a stallion, allows a male horse to be calmer and better-behaved, making the animal quieter, gentler and potentially more suitable as an everyday...
Too Many Chiefs, the oldest horse active on New York tracks.
CBS Sports and ESPN
From 1977 to 1986, she served as a CBSCBS
CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of...
contributor for NFL
NFL on CBS
The NFL on CBS is the brand name of the CBS television network's coverage of the National Football League's American Football Conference games, produced by CBS Sports.-Market coverage and television policies:...
, NBA, America's Cup
America's Cup
The America’s Cup is a trophy awarded to the winner of the America's Cup match races between two yachts. One yacht, known as the defender, represents the yacht club that currently holds the America's Cup and the second yacht, known as the challenger, represents the yacht club that is challenging...
and horse racing coverage. She also served as a panel member on CBS' The NFL Today
The NFL Today
The NFL Today is an American sports series that precedes the American football program The NFL on CBS on CBS Sports. The program usually airs at noon on Sundays of the National Football League regular season...
in 1984
1984 NFL season
The 1984 NFL season was the 65th regular season of the National Football League. The Colts relocated from Baltimore, Maryland to Indianapolis, Indiana....
replacing Phyllis George
Phyllis George
Phyllis Ann George Brown is an American businesswoman, actress and a former sportscaster. She is a former Miss Texas and Miss America of 1971.- Early life :...
, who went on maternity Leave.
From 1985 to 2002, Cantey was a reporter and analyst for Racing Across America for ESPN
ESPN
Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, commonly known as ESPN, is an American global cable television network focusing on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming....
.
ABC Sports, USA Network and NBC Sports
Cantey joined ABC Sports in April 1986. In addition to her coverage of the Triple CrownUnited States Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing
In the United States, the "Triple Crown" is usually the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, a series of three Thoroughbred horse races for three-year-old horses run in May and early June of each year consisting of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes.While Daily Racing Form...
, she served as an expert analyst and reporter for ABC's Wide World of Sports live coverage of major Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby is a Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbred horses, held annually in Louisville, Kentucky, United States on the first Saturday in May, capping the two-week-long Kentucky Derby Festival. The race is one and a quarter mile at Churchill Downs. Colts and geldings carry...
prep races from 1986 through 2001.
In November 2000, Cantey joined NBC Sports as its expert analyst during the network's coverage of the 2000 Breeders' Cup
Breeders' Cup
The Breeders' Cup World Championships is an annual series of Thoroughbred horse races, most but not all Grade I, operated by Breeders' Cup Limited, a company formed in 1982. From its inception in 1984 through 2006, it was a single-day event; starting in 2007, it expanded to two days. The location...
. She worked for NBC
Thoroughbred Racing on NBC
Thoroughbred Racing on NBC is the de facto title for a series of horse races produced and broadcast by NBC Sports. Among its current personalites are hosts Tom Hammond and Bob Costas, along with analyst Gary L...
for 5 years (2000–2005).
From 2002-2005, Cantey became a reporter for USA Network
USA Network
USA Network is an American cable television channel launched in 1971. Once a minor player in basic cable, the network has steadily gained popularity because of breakout hits like Monk, Psych, Burn Notice, Royal Pains, Covert Affairs, White Collar, Monday Night RAW, Suits, and reruns of the various...
coverage of the Westminster Kennel Club. At that time, Cantey had covered Triple Crown races for 17 consecutive years, moving from CBS to ABC Sports and then NBC Sports. Also for NBC, she covered Breeders' Cup
Breeders' Cup
The Breeders' Cup World Championships is an annual series of Thoroughbred horse races, most but not all Grade I, operated by Breeders' Cup Limited, a company formed in 1982. From its inception in 1984 through 2006, it was a single-day event; starting in 2007, it expanded to two days. The location...
races. Cantey continued to train horses.
Cantey decided to retire from television after the 2005 Breeders' Cup. She was one of several investors from NBC who owned the filly
Filly
A filly is a young female horse too young to be called a mare. There are several specific definitions in use.*In most cases filly is a female horse under the age of four years old....
Conflict of Interest.
Family
Charlsie's father wanted to name his son Charles Oscar, but she turned out to be a girl.Her first husband was trainer
Horse trainer
In horse racing, a trainer prepares a horse for races, with responsibility for exercising it, getting it race-ready and determining which races it should enter...
Joseph B. Cantey whom she married in 1969 in Camden, South Carolina
Camden, South Carolina
Camden is the fourth oldest city in the U.S. state of South Carolina and is also the county seat of Kershaw County, South Carolina, United States. The population was an estimated 7,103 in 2009...
. As of 1976, Charlsie was 30, and her husband had been a trainer for five years.
Cantey is married to Douglas Davidson and lives in Laurel, Maryland
Laurel, Maryland
Laurel is a city in northern Prince George's County, Anne Arundel County, and Howard County, Maryland, United States, located midway between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore. Incorporated in 1870, the city maintains a historic district including its Main Street...
.