Godolphin’s transition to a public training model got off to the perfect start when its first Sydney runner, Amusing, posted a dominant win in the opening race of the new season at Rosehill.
Trainer Chris Waller described it as an honour to count the global operation as a client after going head-to-head with Godolphin for so many years and admitted to a few butterflies prior to Amusing’s win in Saturday’s Captivant @ Kia Ora Handicap (1500m).
“I was nervous coming into the race, just to make sure everything went well, so it was a good relief,” Waller said.
“They have been our biggest competitor for so many years and we have watched them every week to see what they’re doing, how we’re performing against them. They have been the best yardstick.
“To be one of nine or ten trainers to be chosen to train for them, it’s an honour to be regarded as good enough to train for them.
“It’s not a loss that they have disarmed their training operation. It’s probably a win for so many and in particular, Australian racing.”
Waller said he had inherited nine horses from Sheikh Mohammed and all had arrived at his stable in top shape and well versed, including Amusing.
“We have taken over from a great operation. Just seeing the horses come into my system, my riders have said, ‘wow’,” Waller said.
“The young horses are so well educated. Horses like her have settled in really well. James (Cummings) has done a great job and obviously their team, and it really is an honour.”
The common denominator between Amusing’s last win for Cummings and her first for Waller was Darren Beadman.
A long-time Godolphin employee, his services have been snapped up by the champion trainer, with Beadman starting his new tenure on Saturday.
Waller believes the addition of Beadman, who joins the stable’s senior staff alongside the likes of assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth, can take the yard to another level after seeing him in action at trackwork on race day morning.
“It was a touching morning and this has capped it off,” Waller said.
“To have Darren there, who has been my idol for so long. He was a big help to me when I was getting started and Charlie is like my best mate and I think he’ll get more out of Charlie and myself than we’ve ever had before.”
