The best way to get new clients is to train winners.
That is the simple scenario facing James Cummings, who will officially part ways with Godolphin before the new racing season starts in August.
James Cummings is planning for life after Godolphin.Credit: Getty Images
There are so many unknowns following Wednesday’s news that Cummings would no longer work exclusively for racing giant Godolphin. Their eight years together netted 50 group 1 winners.
It has already been flagged Cummings could be returning to Randwick and Leilani Lodge, where his famous grandfather, turf legend Bart Cummings, prepared so many winners.
Cummings says he is also open to remaining at Osborne Park, on the outskirts of Sydney, and leasing boxes from Godolphin.
He wants to keep his team together, including legendary jockey Darren Beadman, a man regarded as having one of the best eyes in the game when it comes to assessing horses, and how they are coping at any stage during a campaign.
There are no plans, Cummings says, to enter into a partnership with his brother, Edward.
Tamerlane will resume at Hawkesbury on Saturday.Credit: Racing Photos via Getty Images
Cummings will continue to train a handful of horses for Godolphin, including fan favourite and group 1 winner Tom Kitten, and Golden Slipper placegetter Tempted.
But Cummings knows when he returns to racing as a free agent he will need clients. And the best way to ensure you have solid support is getting the job done on race day.
Cummings won the last at Canterbury on Wednesday with Photograph, and hopes to keep his name up in lights with several strong chances at Hawkesbury on Saturday, including Hawkesbury Guineas pair Zeitung and Pisces.
He’ll also have Lavalier, which runs in the group 1 South Australian Derby, and Golden Mile, which lines up in stakes company at Eagle Farm.
Cummings is under no illusions about the need to keep himself in the shop window with prospective new owners.
“As a trainer going out on my own, I know the support I get will be instrumental,” he said. “The news has already been warmly received.
“The show has to go on. The timing is right. Everyone feels good about confronting the reality, and we can all now begin to plan for what is ahead.
“I wouldn’t say I feel any extra pressure. Training horses is already a demanding role, and it has been for many years.
Pisces and jockey James McDonald combined to win the Blue Sapphire Stakes at Caulfield in spring.Credit: Getty Images
“I’ve been lucky I’ve got such a highly capable team. We stick to what we are good at, and we derive confidence from that attitude.
“The beauty for me is Godolphin will be an important client to start back out with. There’s a lot to sort out, but it’s exciting, and I need to get things rolling.”
Pisces won the Blue Sapphire Stakes last spring, but bombed as favourite in the Sandown Guineas. Cummings is prepared to forgive the gelding his two runs back this preparation.
“We’ve deliberately held him back for the target, and there will be races [in Queensland] for him,” Cummings said.
“Zeitung is a dual acceptor, but we’re leaning towards running her in the Guineas. She was unlucky two starts back, and although she wasn’t beaten far last start, the jury was out. Even if there is an improving track, there will be give in it, and that will be to her liking. I think Reitung will be a stylish improver.”
Cummings will launch a three-prong attack on the $200,000 Gold Rush with the resuming Tamerlane and Kin, while Renosu will improve off his first-up run behind stablemate and Ortensia Stakes-bound Pisanello.
“Tamerlane will be better for the run,” Cummings said. “This is not his trip, but it’s a good race to get him under way.
“He’ll run in the Luskin Star [at Scone] a fortnight later, and will be far better out to that distance.
“When you think of him running behind Another Wil and Jimmysstar in the spring it reads pretty well when he gets to a distance more to his liking.
“Kin is coming along beautifully and can run a race fresh, while Renosu will improve vastly off his run the other day. He had a good blowout.”
The Hawkesbury standalone meeting will be Cummings’ last as Godolphin chief. The farewell tour has officially started. At 37, Cummings is only beginning.
