Australia’s racing world is synonymous with the legendary Bart Cummings, a name that evokes images of Melbourne Cup triumphs and unparalleled success. For his grandsons, James and Edward Cummings, the weight of this legacy is a constant presence, yet they are steadily carving out their own distinguished training careers, demonstrating a commitment to excellence that honors their family’s rich history in horse racing.
James and Edward represent the fourth generation of trainers in their family, with a lineage tracing back to great-great-uncle James, who won the Alice Springs Cup in 1910. Their paternal side boasts a strong racing pedigree, with their father, Anthony Cummings, a respected trainer of 22 Group 1 winners, and their grandfather, Jim Cummings, who famously trained Comic Court to victory in the 1950 Melbourne Cup. This deep-rooted history provides a solid foundation as they navigate the competitive landscape of modern racing.
A Legacy of Excellence
The Cummings name is intrinsically linked to the pinnacle of Australian racing, particularly through Bart Cummings’s record-breaking 12 Melbourne Cup wins. Both James and Edward acknowledge the immense expectation that comes with their surname, but they are focused on forging their own identities, not just as descendants of a legend, but as accomplished trainers in their own right. They are proving that the future of the Cummings dynasty is in capable hands, with remarkable achievements early in their careers.
James, after serving as foreman at his grandfather’s Leilani Lodge, entered into a training partnership with Bart in 2013. His first Group 1 win came in partnership with his grandfather when Hallowed Crown secured the 2014 Golden Rose. James cherishes these years, recalling them as a period of intense learning, supplementing his earlier experiences assisting his father. He fondly remembers his grandfather imparting his vast knowledge, often from a hospital bed, teaching James not only the art of training but also the business aspects of the sport.
Different Approaches, Shared Dedication
While both brothers share a profound respect for their family’s heritage and the foundational lessons learned from their father and grandfather, their training philosophies and career paths diverge.
James embarked on a significant career move when he took over as Godolphin’s head Australian trainer in 2017, following Bart’s passing. Operating from the state-of-the-art Osborne Park property, James has achieved considerable success, including a Group 1 Flight Stakes win with Alizee and a quinella in the prestigious Golden Slipper with Kiamichi. He manages a substantial stable, emphasizing quality over sheer numbers and maintaining a proactive approach to horse development. James’s training philosophy is rooted in immediate action: “My training philosophy is, why do tomorrow what you can do today?” he states. This proactive mindset, combined with a strong team and a rigorous adherence to training systems, has seen him achieve over 1,000 career wins and consistently rank among Sydney’s top trainers.
Edward, on the other hand, operates a more boutique stable from Hawkesbury. After training in Sydney alongside his father, he established his own operation in 2019, seeking a dedicated property to foster his business. Despite having a smaller number of horses, Edward has achieved notable success, most notably with his outstanding mare Duais, who has claimed three Group 1 races. Duais is now being positioned as a strong contender for the Melbourne Cup, potentially catapulting Edward into the international spotlight. Edward emphasizes patience and a deep understanding of his horses, a principle he attributes directly to his family’s teachings. “Horses will often push back if you push too hard; they’ll tell you to show patience,” he observes.
Future Prospects
Both James and Edward Cummings are poised for exciting futures in racing. Edward has a genuine chance to win Australia’s most coveted race with Duais, while James, with his formidable stable and a potential champion in Anamoe, is setting his sights firmly on the Sydney trainers’ premiership. James has even issued a friendly warning to his main rival, Chris Waller: “We’re coming for him.”
Their differing approaches underscore a shared dedication to the sport and a profound respect for the legacy they carry. Whether through James’s driven ambition and large-scale operations or Edward’s patient, considered approach with a star mare, the Cummings name continues to be a powerful force in Australian racing, promising more significant achievements for generations to come.
• Visit the Edward Cummings website – plus more about James Cummings at the Godolphin website
