Godolphin Australia have today issued a statement announcing their decision to switch to a public training model from the start of the new racing season, so what does this mean?
James Cummings has been Godolphin's private trainer for eight years and has also announced plans to become a public trainer from August 1.
Cummings will continue to train some horses for Godolphin with the all-powerful racing and breeding organisation revealing their plan to spread their team among a number of different trainers "in line with operating structures used by other major owners and breeders in Australia".
Cummings and Godolphin Australia Managing Director Andy Makiv said the move would ensure a strong presence for Godolphin in Australia, but the change would provide greater flexibility for the business.
"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,'' Makiv said.
"Moving away from a private training model gives us greater business agility. We will continue to have the same number of horses in training — it's fundamental to what we do.
"As a stallion business, Group 1 winners like Anamoe, Biuvouac, Briadsiding and Cylinder have all come through our commitment to racing.
"Our numbers have and will remain stable, just as they have been for the past five years."
Makiv said Godolphin's decision coincided with the conclusion of Cummings' current contract, which ends on July 31 this year, and the trainer's own plans to expand his business.
"James is a fantastic trainer and has been incredibly successful," Makiv said.
"He brought up his 50th Group I win late last year and we are extremely grateful for his leadership of our wonderful racing team who have supported him.
"We are looking forward to working with James under our new training model.
Cummings was the mastermind behind Australian Horse of the Year Anamoe, who won nine Group I races for Godolphin and he is justifiably proud of his achievements to date and excited about the next phase of his career.
"The time is right for me to take the next step in my career and launch my own venture as a public trainer,'' Cummings 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.
"I'm deeply grateful to Godolphin for their ongoing support, and I look forward with great anticipation to this exciting new chapter."
