Unexpected Changes at Leading Horse Racing Stable Poised to Transform Sydney’s Training Landscape

The horse racing landscape in Sydney is about to experience a significant shift, heralding changes from perhaps the most influential organisation in the sector.

Godolphin has revealed a startling alteration to its Australian operations set to take effect from the start of August.

James Cummings, the grandson of legendary trainer Bart Cummings, will no longer serve as the stable’s exclusive trainer in Australia.

Having taken over the role with Godolphin in 2017, Cummings has diligently trained solely for the prestigious Dubai-based outfit for eight years.

However, in a statement released on Wednesday, Godolphin Australia confirmed that Cummings will be moving into a more public role alongside the stables.

Though Cummings will still train a selection of Godolphin’s horses in Sydney, he will now be open to training horses from other owners and syndicates as well.

Godolphin Australia has expressed its hope that Cummings will continue to oversee the careers of top runners such as Tempted, Tom Kitten, and Zardozi, among others.

This announcement follows his father, Anthony Cummings, having his Racing NSW licence revoked last month and being ousted from Leilani Lodge – the renowned Randwick stables that the Cummings family has been associated with for many years.

Speculation has arisen that James may relocate to Leilani Lodge, potentially preserving the Cummings legacy at that venue.

“James is an outstanding trainer who has achieved remarkable success,” stated Godolphin Australia managing director Andy Makiv in the announcement on Wednesday.

“He achieved his 50th Group 1 victory late last year, and we greatly appreciate his leadership of our exceptional racing team that has stood by him.

“We look forward to collaborating with James under our new training model.”

Cummings has managed Godolphin’s operations from Crown Lodge in the south-west of Sydney, as well as Osborne Park to the north.

As per Godolphin’s website, these two stables currently house a total of 209 horses. Godolphin also operates stables in Flemington, Melbourne, and various locations worldwide.

“It’s time for me to advance in my career and establish my own public training venture,” Cummings remarked.

“I’ve had the privilege of working with remarkable horses and a committed team during my tenure at Godolphin, and we have celebrated many unforgettable triumphs together.

“This journey has been incredibly fulfilling and has imparted invaluable lessons, both personally and professionally.”

With this development, other trainers across Australia will now have the opportunity to take on Godolphin runners, who are famously clad in all-blue silks.