On the heels of the announcement that his successful tenure with Godolphin will end this season, James Cummings has confirmed he will join the Hong Kong training ranks from the middle of next year.
Cummings had been at the helm of Godolphin’s Australian training operation for eight years before the global giant’s recent decision to move to a public model from August 1.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, Cummings revealed he had initially planned to continue his career in Australia but the challenge of Hong Kong was too good to refuse.
“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.”
The grandson of legendary horseman Bart Cummings, James had applied to take over Leilani Lodge at Randwick, which was made vacant earlier this year when his father Anthony had his training licence revoked.
Cummings has since withdrawn that application, along with his interest in the Carbine Lodge stables at Flemington.
He said he would not train next season as he felt it wasn’t in the best interests of his clients and would instead spend the time to prepare for his overseas transition.
“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,” Cummings said.
“To the owners who had already been forthcoming in their support, I want to express my sincerest appreciation. I felt it would be unfair to continue, only to step away and leave the team and yearlings without guidance during a pivotal stage in their development.”
Cummings also took the opportunity to thank Godolphin for entrusting him with their quality team of horses for eight years and acknowledged the role his staff had played in the operation’s success.
The acquisition of Cummings is a triumph for the HKJC given his status as one of Australia’s best young trainers.
He collected a brace of Group 1 wins when in partnership with his grandfather, both courtesy of Hallowed Crown in the 2014 Golden Rose and the following year’s Randwick Guineas.
Following Bart’s death in 2015, Cummings worked as a public trainer in his own right, claiming the 2016 Victoria Derby with Prized Icon.
Since linking with Godolphin, he has taken his tally of majors to 52, the most recent with Broadsiding in this year’s Rosehill Guineas.
Cummings will have another opportunity to add to that tally at Eagle Farm on Saturday with Golden Mile in the Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) and two-year-old Zebra Finch in the J J Atkins (1600m).
He will continue to train for Godolphin until the end of the season on July 31, with his Hong Kong licence to take effect from the 2026-27 racing term.
