New Year right time to branch out

3 min read
Edward Cummings has considered a number of factors in his decision to go out on his own.

The dissolution of his training partnership with his father Anthony next January was announced earlier this week with them amicably agreeing to go their separate ways.

“I’ve been in the game a fair while now and more seriously as foreman and then training with Dad for the last six or seven years,” Cummings said.

“I have the utmost respect for my father and all he has taught me and the opportunities his guidance and trust have afforded me these past years.

“It was clear in my mind to make the call.” – Edward Cummings.

“I felt the time was right and had discussions with Dad three weeks ago and he’s given me his support and endorsement. It was clear in my mind to make the call.”

Anthony and Edward Cummings

Another major influence was the buoyant state of the Australian industry.

“Racing in New South Wales, and all over, is in a great spot and I felt I wanted to be my own man and I’ve been pleased and proud of the support.”

A racing dynasty

Cummings was born into a racing dynasty, his late grandfather Bart was an iconic figure and his father Anthony has produced a steady flow of Group 1 winners since he established his operation in the early 1990s.

Brother James took up the role of Godolphin’s head trainer in 2017 after first gaining his licence in 2013 and trained with his grandfather until the legendary horseman’s passing in 2015.

Edward, Bart and James Cummings

Edward Cummings, who gained international experience with a stint at Aidan O’Brien’s Ballydoyle Stables in Ireland, joined his father in partnership last year and a month later they were a headline-making act.

“To get our first stakes winner at Randwick was a huge thrill.” – Edward Cummings.

“To get our first stakes winner at Randwick was a huge thrill,” he said.

Top Of My List (High Chaparral {IRE}) was the provider when she was successful in the G3 Japan Racing Association Plate and she also added the Listed Lord Mayor’s Cup at Rosehill at her next start.

Cummings will see what develops over the coming months, but he is happy to establish himself on any level.

“Whether I have one box, two boxes or 10 boxes, I just want to get a start.” – Edward Cummings.

Top Of My List was the first stakes winner for Edward and Anthony

“Whether I have one box, two boxes or 10 boxes, I just want to get a start. My preference would be to have stables of my own so we’ll wait and see what happens,” he said.

“I’m excited about what the future holds and look forward to testing myself.”

Cummings does know for sure that he will have one youngster to take up permanent residence straight away.

“With the help of Duncan Ramage we bought one at the Ready 2 Race Sale and syndicated him,” he said. “It’s great to have that commitment.”

Colt on the books

The Inglis Ready 2 Race colt, secured for $75,000 from Blake Ryan Racing, is a son of Artie Schiller (USA) out of the winning Snitzel (Redoute’s Choice) mare Taraneem and the family of the G2 Stocks S. winner Oasis Bloom (Al Maher).

“I’ve got my first horse to train and he’s in pre-training now,” Cummings said. “I’m happy to start small with one or two and I can make my own decisions and calls.

“Hopefully, there are other opportunities to get some nice horses for the autumn.”

Watch: Edward Cumming's first purchase by Artie Schiller breeze up at Warwick Farm