O'Shea to step down from trainer role with Godolphin

John O'Shea has reportedly resigned as head Australian trainer for Godolphin.

O'Shea is believed to be in the process of negotiating a severance package, three years into a five-year contract.

He took over the high-pressure role from Peter Snowden in May, 2014 and has trained ten Group 1 winners under Sheikh Mohammed's Darley and Godolphin banner.

Godolphin operates Australian stables at Warwick Farm, Flemington and at Osborne Park, a private training complex on Sydney's north-western outskirts.

O'Shea has trained more than 500 winners for Sheikh Mohammed, highlighted by successive a Group 1 Golden Rose victories with Exosphere and Astern.

Although he hasn't made a public statement confirming his resignation, O'Shea has told Racing NSW stewards Godolphin's string of racehorses will still compete under his name until a date for his departure is finalised.

Godolphin have made no comment on O'Shea's decision to quit.

O'Shea's resignation continues a turbulent period for Godolphin's Australian operation with its stable jockey James McDonald serving an 18-month disqualification for being involved in a betting scandal.