James Cummings to join Hong Kong training ranks: ‘It’s a sliding doors moment for me’

June 2025




James Cummings has labelled his dramatic career shift “a sliding doors moment” after being unveiled as Hong Kong’s newest trainer at Sha Tin on Wednesday morning.


In a coup for the Jockey Club, Cummings – who will finish up as Godolphin’s private trainer in Australia next month – will join the roster for the 2026-27 Hong Kong season.


“Hong Kong is something of a Holy Grail for a young horse trainer in Australia to imagine receiving an invitation [to train in],” said Cummings.


“It’s a sliding doors moment for me – the conclusion of my contract at Godolphin and the decision to go out on my own, which a few months ago I was fully committed to doing.


“But when the Hong Kong Jockey Club reached out, I felt like the timing was right because it gives me the opportunity to get some certainty into the future.



James Cummings (left) and Jockey Club official Andew Harding chat to the press at Sha Tin on Wednesday morning.


“The focus on the horses and the investment in facilities here is a very strong pulling factor to the decision. It will be a great stage in my career.


“Out of respect of my staff and owners, who have already been very supportive, I think this gives everyone certainty and everyone can plan for the best,” added Cummings of the early announcement of his Hong Kong move.


While Cummings is looking forward to testing himself in the cutthroat Hong Kong racing cauldron, he’s also excited about what the move will mean for his family.


“For me on a personal note, I’ve got four children under 10. Speaking to the Hong Kong Jockey Club, I really felt like it was now or never for me,” said the 37-year-old.


“This is a great age for them. They’re excited about the adventure that we can really take on as a family and I’m excited for them because it gives them a world view. As a family, we are very excited about making that change.”


Grandson of the legendary Bart Cummings, James will finish up as Godolphin’s private trainer on July 31 and had applied to take over the Leilani Lodge stables at Randwick in Sydney which are synonymous with the famed Cummings family.



Trainer James Cummings says taking on role in Hong Kong "wasn't a decision I made lightly".


Instead, the 52-time Group One winner will have over 12 months to get himself ready to make a splash in Hong Kong.


“I feel like time is on my side. I’ve met some Hong Kong owners over my time and what I like is that I’ve got plenty of time between now and when I begin next year to get to know many more,” he said.


“That will come and that time will be well spent. The preparation is part of an overall strategy that we were quite comfortable with and I look forward to meeting more members of the club and those associated with the entire jurisdiction.


“I do like that I’ve got that time to get myself organised, get set, have a chance to refresh since the busy time in the last little while and over the last eight years training privately for Godolphin. That’s something I can hone in on in the next period of time.”


While building new relationships will be key for Cummings, he’ll also be leaning on existing ones with the likes of Hugh Bowman, Brenton Avdulla and Zac Purton.


“I’ve got friends here who are in the jockeys’ ranks. I can reach out to those friends and I have met some of the trainers along the way. There’s going to be a great opportunity for me to lean on those who are familiar faces to me,” he said.

	bet within our means

quote originally posted by hanman0072002:

---

Yesterday take Z purton and Bowman fav all die.

---

Yes indeed bro,
last Wednesday night racing Pruton and Bowman never really gets going,
like I said before it's good to support underdogs once in a while

	bet within our means

quote originally posted by hanman0072002:

---

Yup tomorrow try again. So many races tomorrow.

---

I won't be attending this weekend race.
For your infor HK racing will have one more month plus to go,
their season will close during the month of August bro

	bet within our means

quote originally posted by hanman0072002:

---

Ok by then epl starts

---

Yes indeed bro

	bet within our means