© Photo Healy Racing
James Cummings has been appointed as Godolphin's new head trainer in Australia.
Cummings is the grandson of legendary trainer Bart Cummings, acting as foreman and co-trainer with his grandfather before taking over their operation following the death of the 12-times Melbourne Cup winner in 2015.
Godolphin managing director in Australia Henry Plumptre believes Cummings is the ideal handler after John O'Shea stepped down from the role.
He told www.godolphin.com: "James is a great fit for Godolphin and his appointment is an exciting new chapter in the Godolphin story in Australia.
"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.
Cummings added: "It is truly an honor to be asked to join the Godolphin team as the head trainer in Australia and I am very grateful to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed for the opportunity.
"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.
"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 take up his new position on July 8 with Darren Beadman remaining head trainer during the interim before continuing his original role as assistant.
