“I’ve got memories reaching back a long way there. There’s a legacy there in that stable. There’s also other options … I need to go through all the details and come up with a plan. We’ve got a lot to consider.”
Leilani Lodge has 55 boxes for horses as well as offices and accommodation and has a prime location next to Randwick racecourse.
James, who began his career training in partnership with Bart, will continue to train for Godolphin until his contract ends of July 31.
“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 in a joint statement with Godolphin.
“I’ve been fortunate to work with exceptional horses and a dedicated team during my time at Godolphin, and together we’ve celebrated many memorable successes. 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.”
James has trained 48 group 1 wins with Godolphin, a global thoroughbred giant formed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, including nine with Cox Plate winner Anamoe.
Godolphin Australia said it would continue to provide horses to him as it shifted from a private to a public training model, distributing its runners to various stables.
“James is a fantastic trainer and has been incredibly successful,” Godolphin Australia managing director Andy Makiv said.
“He brought up his 50th group 1 win late last year and we are extremely grateful for his leadership of our wonderful racing team who have supported him.
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“We are looking forward to working with James under our new training model.”
Makiv said Godolphin would continue to have the same number of horses in training.
“We remain absolutely committed to breeding and racing in our famous Godolphin blue silks,” he said.
