James Cummings out to finish Godolphin tenure on a high

James Cummings is entering his final week as Godolphin’s Australian head trainer, bringing to a close an impactful period that has lasted since 2017.

With Godolphin moving to a public model starting August 1, Cummings is set to part ways with the global racing powerhouse and take a well-earned break before launching his Hong Kong training career in the 2026–27 season.

He has been visiting the team at the Melbourne base this week, treating it as a chance to personally say goodbye to the staff and reflect on their achievements.

“There are mixed emotions,” Cummings told SEN radio.

“While everyone has got to move on, there is no doubt there is great passion associated with this team. There is passion for the horses and when those horses start getting on trucks and moving to different stables, it is tinged with some sadness.

“But they go in good order and we hope they do extraordinarily well and I’m sure they will do well.”

Cummings’ last Saturday with Godolphin includes a strong Caulfield team, headlined by Kin in the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes (1200m). Kin enters the race after a Listed win and a competitive run in the Sir John Monash Stakes (1100m).

Drawn widest in the small field, Cummings is optimistic about her chances.

“She’s got the wide draw Saturday and she could really use that to her advantage at Caulfield,” he said.

“She enjoys being held up but then getting to the outside and with that good dash that she does possess, I’d like to think she’s got some chance.

“It was excellent to see her get another stakes win this campaign for her CV before she retires, but her second attempt at weight-for-age, it would be even sweeter for her.”

Joining her are stablemates Kallos and Inhibitions, while Randwick will see Godolphin represented by Tarpaulin, who lines up in the ATC Thank You Trainers Handicap (1100m).

Following a fiery return at Rosehill, Tarpaulin has been back to the trials for some fine-tuning.

“We tried to mix it up with Tarpaulin and take a little bit of that fire out of him,” Cummings said.

“He can probably get away with still going a little strong within himself with the very light weight here and still fire.”

Looking toward the spring, Cummings is bullish about the campaign ahead for Tom Kitten, who trialled this week after a top-three finish in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

“He’s headed down to Victoria and I’d like to think he’s in for a really good prep,” Cummings said.

“It could easily be his best prep, building on what he did last time winning that All-Star Mile and third in a very good Queen Elizabeth.”

Godolphin has already reassigned its elite gallopers, with Tom Kitten heading to Anthony and Sam Freedman, while Tempting and Zardozi go to Ciaron Maher’s care.

To place a bet on Kin in the Bletchingly Stakes or any of Godolphin's runners this weekend, explore the best odds at top Australian betting sites.