Star Australian trainer James Cummings is set to leave Sydney racing to take up a lucrative position as a trainer in Hong Kong.
The appointment was announced by the Hong Kong Jockey Club at a press conference at Sha Tin on Wednesday morning, with Cummings the guest of honour inattendance.
The horseman has celebrated 52 Group 1 winners in his career and prepared gallopers such as Anamoe, Bivouac and Broadsiding in his tenure as Godolphin’s private trainer in Australia.
The news of Cummings’ departure for Hong Kong comes not long after Godolphin had announced it was changing to a public training model for the upcoming season, where Cummings had been slated to become one of a number of horsemen to condition horses for the blue army.
Cummings will be eligible to have runners at Sha Tin and Happy Valley as of September 2026 and joins the Hong Kong training ranks at a time of regeneration.
“This wasn’t a decision I made lightly. With the upcoming conclusion of my exclusive role at Godolphin, I have carefully considered the right path forward,” Cummings said.
“While continuing to train in Australia was my intention, the opportunity in Hong Kong presented a unique and respected environment to challenge myself and grow further as a trainer. This is a progression to the next stage of my career in a new jurisdiction.
“I want to acknowledge the dedication of my staff over the years. I’ve been privileged to lead a talented and committed team whose contribution has been integral to the success of the stable.
“In deciding not to train next season, I also wanted to be fair to my staff by giving them the opportunity to commit to a long-term role with another stable.
“To the owners who had already been forthcoming in their support, I want to express my sincerest appreciation. I felt it would be unfair to continue, only to step away and leave the team and yearlings without guidance during a pivotal stage in their development.
“I also want to take this opportunity to thank Godolphin for entrusting me with the responsibility and leadership of their team over the past eight years.”
A renowned horseman and proven ambassador for racing, Cummings has followed the path of David Hayes, Jamie Richards, Mark Newnham and David Eustace, who have all taken up training positions in Hong Kong this decade, while South African trainer Brett Crawford will join the ranks for the upcoming season in September this year.
