Cummings declared “great fit” after formal Godolphin announcement
POWERHOUSE racing stable Godolphin has appointed James Cummings as its new head-trainer, ending a protracted search for John O’Shea’s permanent replacement.
Cummings takes over from current interim head-trainer Darren Beadman, who will hand the reins over to the 29-year-old at the beginning of July.
Welcome James Cummings to #TeamGodolphin pic.twitter.com/06xKnhZUDp
— Godolphin (@godolphin) May 23, 2017
Beadman will stay on as an assistant trainer once Cummings assumes the top position.
Godolphin Managing Director in Australia Henry Plumtree said Cummings meets all the criteria the stable was looking for heading into the future.
“James is a great fit for Godolphin and his appointment is an exciting new chapter in the Godolphin story in Australia.”
I was sure i heard Plumtre say on radio they hadn’t spoken to James about the job, must have got his Cummings mixed up.
— Mark Shean (@Redfernexpress) May 23, 2017
“In a short space of time James has established himself as one of the most talented trainers in Australia and he has all the attributes to take us in the direction we want to go as a racing team both on and off the track,” Plumptree said.
While Godolphin has great optimism in Cummings’ credentials going forward, not everyone is convinced the grandson of the legendary Bart is the right appointment.
Dont believe James Cummings is the man for the mighty blue..#letdown
— Mark (@Alohaduz) May 23, 2017
Not only was Godolphin’s appointment questioned, but the man himself was queried as to why he would want to leave behind the family legacy at Leilani Lodge.
With the reports that James is to become Aust head trainer for Godolphin, I hope Leilani Lodge remains with the Cummings family #History
— Ros Scarlett (@ros_scarlett) May 23, 2017
Cummings was scolded for taking the Godolphin role, given his success as a stand-alone trainer.
@Racing @godolphin @j_a_cummings Very disappointing. You don’t need that mob James! Me & dad were discussing this a week ago, hoping it’d be someone else. Pft!
— Marin Rymer (@MarinRymer) May 22, 2017
Despite the consternation around his appointment on social media, Cummings is certain he will make a positive impact in the royal blue.
“I am confident in my experience and I definitely have the enthusiasm to build on the incredible success that has already been achieved by Godolphin in Australia,” Cummings said in a statement released by Godolphin.
Cummings also paid tribute to the people that gave him the opportunity to excel in the racing industry.
“I have been very fortunate in my career so far to have learnt my trade from some of the best in the business and I will be forever grateful to the fantastic and loyal owners that have supported me in my career so far, in particular Eduardo Cojuanco Jnr and Dato Tan Chin Nam.”
Cummings will formally replace Beadman on the 8th of July.