Cummings eagerly awaits debut in blue

James Cummings is excited and prepared ahead of his first day as head trainer for Godolphin.

Beginning with Manicure in the first race, the 29-year-old has six runners at Warwick Farm on Saturday, his first day in charge of the Australian arm of Sheikh Mohammed’s racing empire.

“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,” Cummings said on Godolphin’s website.

Cummings says he is looking forward to working with Darren Beadman, whose two months as caretaker filled the void created by former trainer John O’Shea’s departure.

“Fortunately, I have a fantastic team to work with. Darren Beadman, who will continue as assistant trainer, has had a great relationship with my family and rode two Melbourne Cup winners for my grandfather (Bart),” he said.

Cummings began his career with his trainer-father Anthony and was in a partnership with his grandfather until Bart’s death in 2015.

Last year he added to the family dynasty with Prized Icon’s Victoria Derby win making him the fourth generation Cummings to win the blue riband.

Corey Brown steered Manicure to a last-start win at Canterbury and will again take the reins of the two-year-old filly.

If she doesn’t get up, Brown will have another opportunity to land Cummings’ first win in blue aboard favourite Philosophy in the ATC Handicap over 1400m.

The in-form jockey has ridden seven winners, including Impending in the Stradbroke Handicap, in his past 18 rides for the Godolphin stable, to go with a Sydney Cup for English trainer Charlie Appleby.