James Cummings is preparing to bid farewell to a major chapter in his training career, expressing “mixed emotions” as his time with Godolphin draws to a close.
Appointed as Godolphin’s Australian head trainer in 2017, Cummings will complete his final duties with the global operation over the next week, as the stable prepares to adopt a public training model starting August 1.
This week, he’s been spending time at Godolphin’s Melbourne base, describing it as a chance to say goodbye to his team before taking a year-long break. He will resume training in Hong Kong from the 2026-27 racing season.
“There are mixed emotions,” Cummings told SEN radio.
“While everyone has got to move on, there is no doubt there is great passion associated with this team. There is passion for the horses and when those horses start getting on trucks and moving to different stables, it is tinged with some sadness.
“But they go in good order and we hope they do extraordinarily well and I’m sure they will do well.”
Cummings still has one more Saturday of racing to oversee, with a strong lineup to represent Godolphin for the final time.
Among them is Kin, who heads the stable’s trio in the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield. The mare comes in with strong form, having won at Listed level in Queensland and finishing fifth in the Sir John Monash Stakes (1100m).
Despite drawing wide, Cummings is confident the barrier will play to her advantage.
“She’s got the wide draw Saturday and she could really use that to her advantage at Caulfield,” he said.
“She enjoys being held up but then getting to the outside and with that good dash that she does possess, I’d like to think she’s got some chance.
“It was excellent to see her get another stakes win this campaign for her CV before she retires, but her second attempt at weight-for-age, it would be even sweeter for her.”
Kin will be joined by stablemates Kallos and Inhibitions, while in Sydney, Cummings also saddles up two runners, including Tarpaulin in the ATC Thank You Trainers Handicap (1100m).
After an over-keen effort first-up, Tarpaulin has since trialled in an attempt to settle better in his races.
“We tried to mix it up with Tarpaulin and take a little bit of that fire out of him,” Cummings said.
“He can probably get away with still going a little strong within himself with the very light weight here and still fire.”
Looking further ahead, Cummings is enthusiastic about what lies ahead for star galloper Tom Kitten, who returned to the public eye in a Randwick trial this week, following his placing in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
“He’s headed down to Victoria and I’d like to think he’s in for a really good prep,” Cummings said.
“It could easily be his best prep, building on what he did last time winning that All-Star Mile and third in a very good Queen Elizabeth.”
With the transition underway, Godolphin is distributing its horses among other top trainers. Tom Kitten will join Anthony and Sam Freedman, while Tempting and Zardozi head to Ciaron Maher’s stable.
For those looking to bet on the Bletchingly Stakes or any runners in Cummings’ farewell weekend, check out the leading Australian betting sites for the best odds.