Godolphin looks at two-trainer option
The decision by the Godolphin stable not to make any comment on the O’Shea situation over the weekend has fuelled rather than doused the flames of speculation and controversy. Training for Godolphin is a prestigious and potentially lucrative position but it brings with it a crushing pressure to get results.
Perhaps being private trainer for Godolphin is not a one-man role, which could explain suggestions O’Shea is walking away because he has lost enthusiasm for the job.
Certainly, O’Shea’s performances are not in question because he has provided a best-ever season for Godolphin in preparing 168 winners, including four at Group 1 level, for stable earnings of more than $15.6 million. So, who does Godolphin turn to as a replacement for O’Shea?
If they were to look at two trainers, then it seems James Cummings or Darren Beadman have the inside running to take over in Sydney, while Lee Freedman is favourite to be in charge of the Melbourne stables.
Cummings is the rising star of the Sydney training ranks and has made a success of his training business since the passing of his grandfather, Bart.
But Cummings already has the backing of Gooree Stud and a large, loyal client base, so it would be a tough choice to make if he was approached to take over at Godolphin.
Cummings said he had heard all the rumours but reiterated: “I have not been made an offer by Godolphin.’’
Beadman, the former Hall of Fame jockey, has worked closely with O’Shea for most of the trainer’s three-year tenure and if he was appointed, it would be a seamless transition because he already knows the stable systems and staff, and his knowledge and experience are invaluable.
Freedman has trained horses for Darley and Godolphin over the years, he has had a long association with Godolphin’s Australian racing manager Henry Plumptre, and it would make sense if he was approached to run the Flemington stables.