Cummings taking on Godolphin reins
which includes an array of proven stakes horses, including dual Group 1 winner Prized Icon and up and coming potential stars like Tactical Advantage.
“(The horses) will be taken over by a variety of different trainers, there is a good ground swell of support from quite a few of them to go to Anthony and Edward, my father and brother,’’ he said.
‘’It’s possible that the traditional Leilani Lodge will stay in the Cummings name as (Anthony and Edward) have put in tender to lease the stables as well, but that is a decision for the board in terms of Leilani Lodge and a sensitive decision for all the owners of that have supported me for the last four years where their horses end up.’’
Cummings joins Godolphin after almost a decade at Leilani Lodge as foreman, cotrainer with his grandfather Bart, and ultimately as head trainer.
In that time James Cummings has enjoyed success highlighted by Gooree colt Prized Icon, which won the Champagne Stakes and VRC Derby at Group 1 level.
“I have been very fortunate in my career so far to have learnt my trade from some of the best in the business and I will be forever grateful to the fantastic and loyal owners that have supported me in my career so far, in particular Eduardo Cojuanco Jr and Dato Tan Chin Nam,’’ Cummings said.
“It is truly an honour to be asked to join the Godolphin team as the head trainer in Australia and I am very grateful to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed for the chance.
“I am confident in my experience and I definitely have the enthusiasm to build on the incredible success that has already been achieved by Godolphin in Australia.”
Cummings will take up his position with Godolphin on July 8 with Darren Beadman returning to his original assistant trainer role.