James Cummings, the grandson of legendary trainer Bart and a prolific race winner in his own right, could take over the famous Randwick stables his family has occupied for nearly half a century.
The fourth-generation trainer confirmed industry speculation on Wednesday, announcing he would go out on his own after eight years as the head trainer in Australia for racing powerhouse Godolphin.
James Cummings trained at Leilani Lodge before linking with Godolphin in 2017.Credit: Getty Images
He said he was yet to decide where he would base himself, but would apply before Monday’s deadline to return to the vacant Leilani Lodge facility at Randwick.
The stables in Sydney’s eastern suburbs have long been synonymous with the Cummings name, with 12-time Melbourne Cup winner Bart training many of his champions there before James and then his father, Anthony, maintained the family’s presence there.
The Cummings’ association with Leilani Lodge appeared over when Anthony ran into financial difficulties and had his trainer’s licence stripped by Racing NSW this year.
The Australian Turf Club, which owns the High Street stables, has since called expressions of interest in them from other trainers.
James and Bart Cummings together at Flemington in 2008.
Credit: John Donegan
The application period ends on Monday and there will be a Cummings in the mix.
“I will apply for them on Monday,” James said. “I am interested but I’m going to keep all the options open for Sydney at this stage.
“I’ve got memories reaching back a long way there. There’s a legacy there in that stable. There’s also other options … I need to go through all the details and come up with a plan. We’ve got a lot to consider.”
Leilani Lodge has 55 boxes for horses as well as offices and accommodation and has a prime location next to Randwick racecourse.
James, who began his career training in partnership with Bart, will continue to train for Godolphin until his contract ends of July 31.
“The time is right for me to take the next step in my career and launch my own venture as a public trainer,” Cummings said in a joint statement with Godolphin.
“I’ve been fortunate to work with exceptional horses and a dedicated team during my time at Godolphin, and together we’ve celebrated many memorable successes. This experience has been incredibly rewarding and has taught me invaluable lessons, both professionally and personally.
“I’m deeply grateful to Godolphin for their ongoing support and I look forward with great anticipation to this exciting new chapter.”
James has trained 48 group 1 wins with Godolphin, a global thoroughbred giant formed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, including nine with Cox Plate winner Anamoe.
Godolphin Australia said it would continue to provide horses to him as it shifted from a private to a public training model, distributing its runners to various stables.
“James is a fantastic trainer and has been incredibly successful,” Godolphin Australia managing director Andy Makiv said.
“He brought up his 50th group 1 win late last year and we are extremely grateful for his leadership of our wonderful racing team who have supported him.
“We are looking forward to working with James under our new training model.”
Makiv said Godolphin would continue to have the same number of horses in training.
“We remain absolutely committed to breeding and racing in our famous Godolphin blue silks,” he said.
