Godolphin Australia moves to public training model, James Cummings to train in own right

Courier-Mail

30-04-2025

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Godolphin Australia has announced it will move to a public training model from the start of the new racing season.
Champion trainer James Cummings has been Godolphin's private trainer for eight years but has also announced plans to become a public trainer from August 1.
Cummings will continue to train some horses for Godolphin with the all-powerful racing and breeding organisation explaiming the decision to spread their team among a number of trainers was 'in line with operating structures used by other major owners and breeders in Australia'.
The bombshell announcement was revealed in a joint statement with Cummings, Godolphin Australia Managing Director Andy Makiv said the change would provide greater flexibility for the business while maintaining Godolphin's strong presence in the Australian thoroughbred industry.
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'The private training model that we first adopted after the purchase of Woodlands in 2007 with successive trainers, Peter Snowden, John O'Shea and now James Cummings for the past eight years has proven to be very successful,'' Makiv said.
'Moving away from a private training model gives us greater business agility. We will continue to have the same number of horses in training — it's fundamental to what we do.
'As a stallion business, Group 1 winners like Anamoe, Bivouac, Broadsiding and Cylinder have all come through our commitment to racing.
'Our numbers have and will remain stable, just as they have been for the past five years.'
Makiv said Godolphin's decision coincided with the conclusion of Cummings' current contract, which ended on July 31, and the trainer's own plans to expand his business.
'James is a fantastic trainer and has been incredibly successful,' 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.'
James Cummings trained star Godolphin filly Tempted to victory in the Group 2 Percy Sykes Stakes earlier this month, a win which came just after her gallant third placing in this year's Group 1 Golden Slipper. Picture: Vince Caligiuri / Getty Images
Cummings said he was proud of what had been achieved during his time with Godolphin and excited about the next phase of his career.
'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.
'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.'
Makiv expected that Mr Cummings' expertise would remain an important part of the operation.
'We are in discussions with James to lead the campaigns of horses like the outstanding two-year-old Tempted, Tom Kitten on his path to the Cox Plate and VRC Oaks winner Zardozi,'' Makiv said.
'We remain absolutely committed to breeding and racing in our famous Godolphin blue silks.''
Originally published as Godolphin Australia moves to public training model, James Cummings to launch own venture