Godolphin Australia’s long-time head trainer James Cummings will apply for the vacant boxes at Leilani Lodge, where his family has built a 50-year training dynasty, after Sheikh Mohammed’s Australian arm announced a major shake-up to its operations.
Cummings, who has been the private trainer for Godolphin’s Australian business for eight years, will end his exclusive arrangement with the thoroughbred goliath after an announcement on Wednesday morning (AEDT).
Idol Horse revealed last month his contract with the global breeding and racing giant was due to expire mid-way through this year and he hadn’t signed a new agreement.
Godolphin will now spread its horses around various trainers in Australia – including Cummings – after confirming the huge news.
Cummings told Idol Horse he would be applying to train out of the famous Royal Randwick stables used by his late grandfather and 12-time Melbourne Cup-winning handler Bart Cummings, and later his Group 1-winning father Anthony and brother Edward.
“Going out on my own, the time is right now,” Cummings said. “I’m going to apply for Leilani Lodge and I’m going to keep all my options open.”
Leilani Lodge was vacated for the first time in half a century when Anthony Cummings had his licence revoked by Racing NSW after being deemed not a fit and proper person. The regulator had concerns over the financial state of his business.
James’ brother Edward had expressed an interest in taking over Leilani Lodge, but was forced to return to Hawkesbury after stepping in to help save Anthony’s operation.
Asked whether he saw his future in Australia despite constant links to Hong Kong, Cummings said: “Yes.
“The best thing is Godolphin is going to be a really important client to me. It’s an amazing position to be in. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to train great horses for Godolphin.
“We’ve had some of the best days on the track with an incredible team of people. We had eight colts we put to stud and about 50 G1 winners. It’s been an amazing time. It’s good that people can work through details now. When you go out on your own, there’s a lot to get together.
“They’re going to send me horses.”
The announcement will have several high-profile trainers on red alert as Godolphin survey the best place for their horses from August 1.
“Moving away from a private training model gives us greater business agility,” Godolphin said in a statement. “We will continue to have the same number of horses in training – it’s fundamental to what we do.” ∎
