Nacim Dilmi, former long-time assistant to James Cummings at Randwick and later Godolphin, has recorded his first victory as a trainer in his own right.
After being appointed private trainer for Domeland in late July, Dilmi struck with Aix En Provence in the Midway Benchmark 68 (1600m) at Gosford on Friday. The five-year-old gelding justified his $3.30 favouritism, providing Dilmi with a breakthrough success at just his 10th starter since taking over the role from Sara Ryan earlier this month.
Aix En Provence was partnered by Zac Lloyd, the former Godolphin apprentice who completed his time last November and has continued to establish himself as one of Sydney’s leading young riders.
Domeland, the Australian racing and breeding arm of Chinese businessman YP Cheng and his son King, operates stables at Wyong and maintains a farm at nearby Kulnura. The ownership group has entrusted Dilmi with managing its racing team after Godolphin restructured its operation to place more horses with public trainers.
Sara Ryan, who previously trained the Domeland team, has now taken out a public trainer’s licence at Wyong.
