Godolphin appoint Cummings head trainer

Godolphin have appointed James Cummings, grandson of legendary trainer Bart Cummings, as the operation’s head trainer in Australia.

Cummings joins Godolphin after almost a decade at the historic Leilani Lodge at Randwick, where he served as foreman, then co-trainer with his grandfather and ultimately as head trainer following the death of the 'Cups King' in 2015.

Cummings, who will take on his new role from July 8, said: "It's an honour to be asked to join the Godolphin team as head trainer in Australia and I'm very grateful to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed for the opportunity.

“I'm confident in my experience and definitely have the enthusiasm to build on the incredible success that has already been achieved by Godolphin in Australia."

Darren Beadman, who took over the reins after John O'Shea stepped down, will remain as head trainer until Cummings takes charge. He will then continue with the team in his original role of assistant trainer.

Henry Plumptre, Godolphin managing director in Australia, said: “James is a great fit for Godolphin and his appointment is an exciting new chapter in the Godolphin story in Australia.

“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."

Cummings has trained 107 winners to date and his two Group 1 wins have come from the same horse, Prized Icon.

The colt won the Moet & Chandon Champagne Stakes at Randwick in April last year and struck again at Flemington during the Spring Carnival when he landed the Victoria Derby. The Cummings stable has trained 52 winners this season.