Godolphin is restructuring its presence in Australia, announcing it will no longer employ a private trainer from next season, bringing an end to an era that began with the 2007 acquisition of Woodlands.

The decision, confirmed in a joint statement with head trainer James Cummings, reflects a shift toward the public training model now used by major operations such as Yulong.

“The private training model that we first adopted after the purchase of Woodlands in 2007 with successive trainers Peter Snowden, John O’Shea and now James Cummings for the past eight years has proven to be very successful,” said managing director Andy Makiv.

“Moving away from a private training model gives us greater business agility.”

Despite the change, Makiv said the number of horses Godolphin races in Australia will remain steady.

“We will continue to have the same number of horses in training – it’s fundamental to what we do,” he said. “Stallions like Anamoe, Bivouac, Broadsiding and Cylinder have all been products of that commitment.”

James Cummings’ contract ends on July 31, at which point he will return to the public training ranks, continuing to work closely with Godolphin.

“He brought up his 50th Group One win late last year and we are extremely grateful for his leadership,” Makiv said.

Godolphin is in talks for Cummings to continue managing elite horses such as Golden Slipper placegetter Tempted, Cox Plate contender Tom Kitten and mare Zardozi.

Cummings, a fourth-generation trainer and grandson of Bart Cummings, welcomed the opportunity to strike out on his own.

“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. “This experience has been incredibly rewarding… I’m deeply grateful to Godolphin for their support.”

Cummings has trained for Godolphin since 2017, most recently winning the Rosehill Guineas with Broadsiding.