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Godolphin is set to revolutionise its Australian racing operations by abandoning its private training model from next season, with current head trainer James Cummings set to return to public training ranks.
The global racing powerhouse announced the dramatic restructure on Wednesday in a joint statement with Cummings, whose contract expires on July 31.
Godolphin Australia managing director Andy Makiv explained the decision as aligning with approaches adopted by other major breeding and racing operations.
"The private training model that we first adopted after the purchase of Woodlands in 2007 with successive trainers Peter Snowden, John O'Shea and now James Cummings for the past eight years has proven to be very successful," Makiv said.
"Moving away from a private training model gives us greater business agility.
"We will continue to have the same number of horses in training — it's fundamental to what we do."
The blue army's commitment to racing has produced significant results, with Makiv highlighting their breeding success through racetrack achievements.
"As a stallion business, Group One winners like Anamoe, Bivouac, Broadsiding and Cylinder have all come through our commitment to racing. Our numbers have and will remain stable, just as they have been for the past five years."
The strategic shift mirrors the approach successfully implemented by operations such as Yulong, spreading their thoroughbred team across multiple trainers rather than concentrating with one private handler.
Despite the structural change, Godolphin intends to maintain its relationship with Cummings, who notched his 50th Gr.1 victory late last year.
"We are looking forward to working with James under our new training model," Makiv said.
Discussions are currently underway regarding Cummings continuing to train some of Godolphin's premier gallopers, including Golden Slipper placegetter Tempted, Cox Plate contender Tom Kitten and staying mare Zardozi.
Cummings, grandson of legendary trainer Bart Cummings and son of former trainer Anthony, expressed enthusiasm about his future direction.
"The time is right for me to take the next step in my career and launch my own venture as a public trainer," Cummings said.
"This experience has been incredibly rewarding and has taught me invaluable lessons, both professionally and personally.
"I'm deeply grateful to Godolphin for their ongoing support, and I look forward with great anticipation to this exciting new chapter."
Cummings joined Godolphin in 2017, with his most recent major victory coming through Broadsiding's Rosehill Guineas triumph last month.