‘This wasn’t a decision I made lightly’ – James Cummings confirms move to Hong Kong
After months of speculation, James Cummings, one of Australia’s best trainers, confirmed yesterday that he will join the Hong Kong training ranks next year.
Cummings, the grandson of legendary trainer Bart, had been at the helm of Godolphin’s Australian training operation for eight years before the global giant’s recent announcement to move to a public model from August 1, a decision that would have seen the trainer continue his association with Sheikh Mohammed’s racing operation.
However, in a press release yesterday, Cummings revealed he will step down from his role as Godolphin Australia’s head trainer on July 31, with his Hong Kong licence to take effect from the 2026-27 racing term. The trainer also confirmed that he had withdrawn his applications to continue training from Leilani Lodge at Randwick and Carbine Lodge at Flemington.
He said: “This wasn’t a decision I made lightly. With the upcoming conclusion of my exclusive role at Godolphin, I have carefully considered the right path forward.
“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.”
Despite support from prospective owners and already laying the groundwork for a private operation in Australia, Cummings said it became clear that stepping away completely next season was in the best interest of his team and supporters.
“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 continued.
“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 began training in partnership with his grandfather Bart and the pair enjoyed two Group 1 wins, courtesy of Hallowed Crown’s (Street Sense) 2014 Golden Rose (Gr 1, 1400m) triumph and the following year’s Randwick Guineas (Gr 1, 1600m).
Following Bart’s death in 2015, Cummings worked as a public trainer, with the highlight coming when Prized Icon (More Than Ready) landed the 2016 Victoria Derby (Gr 1, 2500m).
He was appointed head trainer for Godolphin in 2017 and during the eight–year tenure enjoyed enormous success, sending out 52 elite-level winners headed by Anamoe (Street Boss), whose nine Group 1 wins included a victory in the 2022 Cox Plate (Gr 1, 2040m). Cummings also handled the careers of fellow Group 1 winners Astern (Medaglia D’Oro), Bivouac (Exceed And Excel), Cascadian (New Approach), In Secret (I Am Invincible), Hartnell (Authorized) and Colette (Hallowed Crown).
Cummings will have another opportunity to add to that tally at Eagle Farm on Saturday with Golden Mile (Astern) in the Stradbroke Handicap (Gr 1, 1400m), while two-year-old Zebra Finch (Exceed And Excel) will take his chance in the J J Atkins (Gr 1, 1600m).
Paying tribute to his staff and Godolphin, Cummings continued: “I want to acknowledge the dedication of my staff over the years. I’ve been privileged to lead a talented and committed team whose contribution has been integral to the success of the stable. 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.
“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.
“I also want to take this opportunity to thank Godolphin for entrusting me with the responsibility and leadership of their team over the past eight years.”
Cummings becomes the second high–profile young trainer to leave Australia for Hong Kong in recent years, with Melbourne Cup (Gr 1, 3200m)-winning trainer David Eustace about to complete his first season in the jurisdiction where he has sent out a remarkable 30 winners.