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Godolphin Australia is set to embrace a public training model from August, shifting away from its long-held private setup as it aligns more closely with other powerhouse breeding and racing operations, reports racing.com. After eight years at the helm of Godolphin’s private training ranks, current trainer James Cummings will step aside at the end of July, paving the way for a broader training approach without reducing the stable’s horse numbers. The transition marks a significant structural move for the global giant, whose private stable had previously been led by Peter Snowden and John O’Shea. “Moving away from a private training model gives us greater business agility,” said Managing Director Andy Makiv, who confirmed that while the format is evolving, the volume of horses trained under the Godolphin banner will remain unchanged. “We will continue to have the same number of horses in training – it's fundamental to what we do,” Makiv said. He also noted that Group 1 champions such as Anamoe, Bivouac, Broadsiding and Cylinder were products of Godolphin’s deep commitment to racing. “Our numbers have and will remain stable, just as they have been for the past five years.” Cummings, who has trained 50 Group 1 winners during his tenure, now plans to launch his own public training business. “The time is right for me to take the next step in my career and launch my own venture as a public trainer,” he said. “I've been fortunate to work with exceptional horses and a dedicated team during my time at Godolphin and together we've celebrated many memorable successes. This experience has been incredibly rewarding and has taught me invaluable lessons, both professionally and personally.” Cummings added, “I'm deeply grateful to Godolphin for their ongoing support and I look forward with great anticipation to this exciting new chapter.” Although stepping back from his official role, Cummings is expected to maintain links with Godolphin and several of its leading horses. “We are in discussions with James to lead the campaigns of horses like the outstanding 2YO Tempted, Tom Kitten on his path to the Cox Plate and VRC Oaks winner Zardozi,” Makiv noted. “We remain absolutely committed to breeding and racing in our famous Godolphin blue silks.”
