James Cummings celebrates first Hong Kong winner at Sha Tin

James Cummings has broken through for his first winner in Hong Kong, with Grand Eagle giving the former Godolphin trainer his maiden success at Sha Tin on Monday.

The victory came with Cummings’ 12th runner since beginning his Hong Kong training career in September, with Grand Eagle taking out a Class 3 Handicap under jockey Jerry Chau.

The four-year-old gelding defeated Mr Incredible by half a length, improving sharply on his eighth placing over the same course and distance on October 4, which was his first start for the stable.

Grand Eagle is a son of former Golden Slipper winner Farnan out of the Pierro mare Sauvignon and was purchased for $300,000 by George Moore at the 2024 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.

Offered through the Valiant Stud draft, the gelding now races for the Go Racing Syndicate, headed by John Moore.

Before heading to Hong Kong, Grand Eagle won twice over 1100m in Australia and finished third in the Listed Kia Ora Brian Crowley Stakes in 2025.

Cummings confirmed his decision to relocate to Hong Kong in June 2025, bringing an end to an eight-year association with Godolphin.

He saddled his first runner in the jurisdiction at Happy Valley on September 9 and has now opened his winning account just over a month into his first season.

The result gives Cummings his first success in one of the world’s most competitive racing jurisdictions as he looks to establish himself among Hong Kong’s leading trainers.