James Cummings has trained his first Victorian winner for Godolphin with Esperance successful at Echuca after being subject of a massive betting plunge.
Cummings took over as head Australian trainer of the international organisation earlier this month after being named as John O’Shea’s replacement in May.
Darren Beadman was installed interim trainer before Cummings had his first runners on July 8, posting a winner with his first starter at Warwick Farm.
Godolphin has only had a handful of runners in Victoria since Cummings took over, notching three seconds before Esperance’s eight-length win on Thursday as the $2.50 favourite after opening at $11 at the TAB.
Jockey Andrew Mallyon said Esperance’s win should be the first of many for Cummings and Godolphin..
“We’ve had a little bit of bad luck at the races in the last couple of weeks with a few seconds and a couple of late scratchings,” Mallyon told broadcaster racing.com.
“It’s great to get James on the board and I couldn’t think of a better way to get on the board with a win like that.
“We’ve got a lot of lovely young horses coming through the stable and this will be the first of many.”
Mallyon said the win was never in doubt although he thought Esperance may have wanted something slightly further than the 1100m on Thursday.
“He’ll measure up in town without doubt,” Mallyon said.
“We’ll see the best of him when he gets to a mile.”
