Hallowed Crown sparked Godolphin interest

James Cummings first came to the attention of Godolphin with the win of Hallowed Crown in the Group One Golden Rose.

Not long after that win Godolphin bought a half-share in the colt leaving him in the care of Cummings and his grandfather Bart.

Almost three years later and James Cummings was on Tuesday appointed head trainer of Godolphin replacing John O’Shea who left earlier this month.

Godolphin’s Australian managing director Henry Plumptre said the organisation was impressed with Cummings and his handling of Hallowed Crown.

“We earmarked him as a future trainer for us at that time if the opportunity arose,” Plumptre told Melbourne radio RSN927.

“We try and identify talent. We are constantly looking for people to slot into the company that we think will be of benefit.

“Australia has got a number of very talented trainers but at 29 years old … I think he’s a very good fit for the company.”

Plumptre said Godolphin may have a bigger presence in Melbourne in coming years with it’s recent prize money upgrades and it’s Super VOBIS scheme.

Godolphin has plenty of Victorian interest, operating Northwood Stud which stands Frosted, Brazen Beau and Helmet.

“It’s absolutely ridiculous for us to be focusing everything on Sydney and throwing a few horses at Melbourne,” he said.

“We need to get a better balance and that will be one of our aims in the next three to five years.”

He pointed to John Hawkes and Peter Snowden both having successful Melbourne stables when in charge of Woodlands and then Darley before it became Godolphin.

Plumptre expects Cummings and interim Godolphin trainer, retired champion jockey Darren Beadman, to be a formidable partnership.

“One of the reasons I took him (Beadman) on is he’s got 30 years of intellectual property locked up in that head which I think is largely untapped,” Plumptre said.

“I think he’s got a huge amount to offer us and the dynamic between Darren at 52 and James at 29 is a really nice fit.

“I would be staggered if they don’t make it a huge success.”

Cummings will take up the position in July.