Cummings to train in Honk Kong as Maher firms for Randwick stables
James Cummings, the grandson of late Melbourne Cup king Bart Cummings, is set to take the next major step in his training career in Hong Kong.
The 37-year-old, already a 52-time group 1 winner, was on Wednesday announced by the Hong Kong Jockey Club today as a new trainer for the 2026-27 season, which starts in September next year.
Cummings will finish his more than eight-year his tenure as Godolphin Australia's head trainer on July 31 after the racing giant's announcement in late April that it would be moving to a public training model.
He was set to build his own team, with support from the likes of Godolphin and Dynamic Syndications, but that plan now looks in doubt given his decision to accept the HKJC invitation.
The move also means Cummings has withdrawn from the battle to take over Leilani Lodge at Royal Randwick, where he began his training career with his famous grandfather, who was based there during a career that yielded 12 Melbourne Cups.
The 55-box stable complex was vacated after James' father Anthony had his trainer's licence revoked by Racing NSW in February because of his financial difficulties.
Anthony and his son Edward fought briefly to keep the stables before the Australian Turf Club called for expressions of interest to trainers in the complex.
Top trainer Ciaron Maher, the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott team, and James Cummings were the applicants for the stables. The ATC board discussed the applications at a board meeting last month and decision is expected next month.
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Sydney Morning Herald
2 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Why James Cummings picked Hong Kong over ‘bricks and mortar' of Leilani Lodge
James Cummings said people and his passion for training, not the 'bricks and mortar' of his family's Randwick stables at Leilani Lodge, were key factors in his decision to accept a contract with the Hong Kong Jockey Club from September next year. Cummings' deal to join the famed racing district was announced on Wednesday, ending speculation about the 52-time group 1-winning trainer's future. The 37-year-old, the grandson of Melbourne Cup king Bart Cummings, was due to finish as Godolphin's head trainer on July 31 after the racing powerhouse's decision to move away from a private training model. Returning to the public ranks, Cummings was then set to face a battle with Ciaron Maher and the Gai Waterhouse-Adrian Bott team to take over the 55-box stables of Leilani Lodge. Cummings' father, Anthony, was forced out of the stables in February after having his trainer's licence revoked because of his financial troubles. The Cummings family has occupied the stables since Bart established them in the early 1980s. The Australian Turf club has not announced a new tenant, but Maher, the nation's leading trainer, looks certain to get the nod after Cummings' withdrawal. Cummings said his decision to move to Hong Kong came without knowledge about who was getting Leilani Lodge. 'The ATC were very patient, and I respect the position they were in, and the decision hadn't been made at all. I never got that sense,' Cummings said. 'I wanted to know all the information that was on the table there, and I got to that position.' He said the potential to train out of Leilani Lodge again had been tempting but the need to provide clarity for staff and clients, given his chance in Hong Kong, was more important.
The Age
2 hours ago
- The Age
Why James Cummings picked Hong Kong over ‘bricks and mortar' of Leilani Lodge
James Cummings said people and his passion for training, not the 'bricks and mortar' of his family's Randwick stables at Leilani Lodge, were key factors in his decision to accept a contract with the Hong Kong Jockey Club from September next year. Cummings' deal to join the famed racing district was announced on Wednesday, ending speculation about the 52-time group 1-winning trainer's future. The 37-year-old, the grandson of Melbourne Cup king Bart Cummings, was due to finish as Godolphin's head trainer on July 31 after the racing powerhouse's decision to move away from a private training model. Returning to the public ranks, Cummings was then set to face a battle with Ciaron Maher and the Gai Waterhouse-Adrian Bott team to take over the 55-box stables of Leilani Lodge. Cummings' father, Anthony, was forced out of the stables in February after having his trainer's licence revoked because of his financial troubles. The Cummings family has occupied the stables since Bart established them in the early 1980s. The Australian Turf club has not announced a new tenant, but Maher, the nation's leading trainer, looks certain to get the nod after Cummings' withdrawal. Cummings said his decision to move to Hong Kong came without knowledge about who was getting Leilani Lodge. 'The ATC were very patient, and I respect the position they were in, and the decision hadn't been made at all. I never got that sense,' Cummings said. 'I wanted to know all the information that was on the table there, and I got to that position.' He said the potential to train out of Leilani Lodge again had been tempting but the need to provide clarity for staff and clients, given his chance in Hong Kong, was more important.
Sydney Morning Herald
15 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Cummings to train in Hong Kong as Maher firms for Randwick stables
James Cummings, the grandson of late Melbourne Cup king Bart Cummings, will take the next major step in his training career in Hong Kong. The 37-year-old, already a 52-time group 1 winner, was on Wednesday announced by the Hong Kong Jockey Club today as a new trainer for the 2026-27 season, which starts in September next year. Cummings will finish his more than eight-year his tenure as Godolphin Australia's head trainer on July 31 after the racing giant's announcement in late April that it would be moving to a public training model. He was set to build his own team, with support from the likes of Godolphin and Dynamic Syndications, but that plan is now over given his decision to accept the HKJC invitation. In a press release after the HKJC confirmed the move, Cummings said he would not train next season. 'This wasn't a decision I made lightly. With the upcoming conclusion of my exclusive role at Godolphin, I have carefully considered the right path forward,' Cummings said. 'While continuing to train in Australia was my intention, the opportunity in Hong Kong presented a unique and respected environment to challenge myself and grow further as a trainer. This is a progression to the next stage of my career in a new jurisdiction. 'I want to acknowledge the dedication of my staff over the years. I've been privileged to lead a talented and committed team whose contribution has been integral to the success of the stable. 'In deciding not to train next season, I also wanted to be fair to my staff by giving them the opportunity to commit to a long-term role with another stable.
