Cummings for Godolphin
Anthony and Edward Cummings want to move their operation into Leilani Lodge to maintain the family connection with the famed Randwick stables in Sydney after James Cummings was announced as Godolphin’s trainer on Tuesday.
Leilani Lodge was the stable James took over when his legendary grandfather Bart died 21 months ago and along with Princes Farm in Hawkesbury is racing’s last connection with the 12-time Melbourne Cup winning trainer.
"I have spoken with the club about Leilani Lodge as it is a special place for the family," Anthony Cummings said.
"Saintly Place and his stables in Adelaide are gone now and we would like to keep the stable in the family if possible.
"There is a lot of sentimental value in that stable and myself and Edward would love to train out of the stables.
James Cummings told the Australian Turf Club on Tuesday of his decision to relinquish his stable at Randwick to take the Godolphin role and racing manager James Heddo said it would mean a relocation of stables.
He indicated Anthony Cummings had expressed interest in the Leilani Lodge group of stables on High Street but there were several applications for stables.
"The great thing about racing is family traditions and the Cummings family have a great link with Randwick," Heddo said.
"It will be one of the main considerations when we look at
‘‘There is a lot of sentimental value in that stable and myself and Edward would love to train out of the stables.’’ Anthony Cummings
the stabling allocations in the near future.
"It is fair to say there has been a fair bit of interest from trainers about moving to Randwick and it has been heightened by James Cummings leaving."
The partnership of Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott would like to get more on-course stables at Randwick, while former Godolphin trainer John O’Shea has applied to get stables there.
One scenario would see Anthony and Edward Cummings move to Leilani Lodge with O’Shea to return to Randwick in the new season. O’Shea continues to enjoy a break from racing but is keen to return to racing before the end of the year.
The ATC usually take the opportunity to refurbish stables when they become available and with Cummings to finish at Randwick on July 8, the stable would be ready for a new trainer in August.
James Cummings’ major clients, including Gooree farm, will be looking for a new trainer and are believed to have already approached several stables.
Meanwhile, Duncan Ramage is in Kuala Lumpur discussing what four-time Melbourne Cup winning owner Dato Tan Chin Nam will do with his racing interests.
Chin Nam was the principal owner with Bart Cummings and continued that association with James and Leilani Lodge, owning horses like So You Think, Saintly and dual Melbourne Cup winner Think Big.
It is understood Chin Nam could split his horses between several trainers, including Bart Cummings’ former foreman John Thompson as well as Anthony and Edward Cummings.
Godolphin’s managing director in Australia Henry Plumptre welcomed Cummings’ move to the global operation.
"James is a great fit for Godolphin and his appointment is an exciting new chapter in the Godolphin story in Australia," he said.
"In a short space of time James has established himself as one of the most talented trainers in Australia and he has all the attributes to take us in the direction we want to go as a racing team both on and off the track."
‘‘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,’’ James Cummings said. The 29-year-old takes up the position filled on an interim basis by Darren Beadman, on July 8. Beadman will remain as assistant trainer. The Cummings-trained Prized Icon, winner of the Victoria Derby, is the co- favourite for next month’s Queensland equivalent.