John O’Shea to return to train at Randwick

Former Godolphin trainer John O’Shea is to return to Randwick.

Former Godolphin trainer John O’Shea is to return to Randwick with the Australian Turf Club confirming he will be allocated stables.

O’Shea, who resigned his position with Godolphin last month, will be replaced at the global racing and breeding concern by James Cummings, freeing up boxes at Randwick.

Godolphin runs its racing operation from Crown Lodge at Warwick Farm and its private training facility at Agnes Banks west of Sydney.

The ATC says it has been fielding interest from a number of trainers for spaces since the Godolphin announcement, as well as discussing the future of Leilani Lodge with the Cummings family.

The late Bart Cummings set up Leilani Lodge more than four decades ago.

“John O’Shea is a proven Group One trainer and we believe he will be a strong addition to the training ranks at Royal Randwick,” ATC general manager racing services, James Heddo, said.

“We are also talking with Anthony and Edward Cummings to see if it is practical for them to move into Leilani Lodge or remain in their current stables.”

O’Shea was a successful public trainer at Randwick before joining Godolphin three years ago.

The ATC said it expected all movements would be completed and stables fully operational by August 1.