Edward Cummings issues plea to train in his own right at Leilani Lodge as father Anthony Cummings battles to regain licence

Ed Cummings has called on racing officials to allow him to take control of Leilani Lodge if his father Anthony is unsuccessful in having his trainer’s licence reinstated on appeal.

A defiant Ed Cummings has implored NSW racing officials to allow him to take the reins at Leilani Lodge if his father Anthony is ultimately unsuccessful in having his training licence reinstated on appeal.

Earlier this week, Racing NSW advised Anthony Cummings of its decision to revoke his training licence, giving him seven-days notice to vacate his famous Leilani Lodge stables at Randwick.

The move came after a “show cause” notice was issued to Cummings last November, outlining concerns over the financial plight of his now liquidated business, Rosscarbery Holdings Pty Ltd.

Speaking on RadioTAB Friday, Ed Cummings, a Group 1-winning trainer in his own right who had previously forged a training partnership with his father, said the family would make every effort to remain training at “family stronghold” Leilani Lodge.

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“We’re reasonably confident that the appeal will be upheld and we’ll be able to carry on as normal,” Ed Cummings said.

“We have not been deterred by the show cause notice because I know that Dad was very confident in his ability to show cause – despite the result having gone against us, he intends to appeal and is confident of a successful appeal.

“Our confidence or certainly Dad’s confidence in his ability to prove his case and be successful has never wavered and I can only take him at his word and I believe in supporting him.

“The intention is to come through this but if it’s not possible for Anthony to train the horses in his name here, I believe that the large majority of the owners would be happy for me to take over as trainer.

“Our owners have been incredibly supportive of what we’re trying to accomplish, and I think everyone sees the value in keeping it Cummings at Randwick and keeping it Cummings at Leilani Lodge, more specifically.”

Anthony Cummings with sons, James Cummings and Edward Cummings. Picture: Tim Hunter

• ‘Mystified’ Anthony Cummings given a week to leave Leilani Lodge

In an address to owners on Thursday, Ed Cummings said he had recently made his case to Australian Turf Club (ATC) officials in a first step towards assuming the mantle at Leilani Lodge.

Cummings is currently engaged with Racing NSW as to the status of his training licence following the brisk departure from his Hawkesbury stables last year.

“I can only hope that all of the efforts that we’ve made to try to imbue the Club (ATC) and the board with confidence that they would be making the right decision by allowing me to train from my family’s stronghold (Leilani Lodge) for the last 50 years is effective,” Cummings said.

Edward Cummings celebrates Duais’ victory in the 2022 Australian Cup at Flemington. Photo: Reg Ryan / Racing Photos

• Cummings to learn training fate as creditors circle

“Undoubtedly, people would be salivating at the chance to get in here (Leilani Lodge) and I’m sure there are more than a few trainers probably thinking that they’re a good chance, but at the same time the record of the stable is there for everyone to see.”

Cummings said that trainers incurring large debt was not uncommon and declared that his father’s plight began during his whirlwind association with then mining magnate Nathan Tinkler which began in 2008.

“Originally, it all kicked off with Nathan Tinkler trying to run Dad into the ground and that goes back a long, long way.”

Originally published as Edward Cummings issues plea to train in his own right at Leilani Lodge as father Anthony Cummings battles to regain licence