Relaunch of training partnership between Anthony and Edward Cummings hits major hurdle

Plans for Anthony and Edward Cummings to resurrect their one-time training partnership has hit a major hurdle with Racing NSW.

Trainers Edward (left) and Anthony Cummings.

Hopes of Anthony Cummings and son Edward resurrecting their one-time training partnership at Leilani Lodge have hit a major hurdle with Racing NSW refusing to sign off on the proposal.

News Corp understands that Racing NSW has issued trainer Anthony Cummings with a “show-cause” notice as to why he should continue to hold a trainer’s licence due to the fact his business, Rosscarbery Holdings Pty Ltd, is in administration.

The stalemate with head office has left the planned reunion of the father and son training duo at Randwick in a state of flux.

READ: It’s official: The Everest, All-Star Mile get Group 1 status

Back in 2019, the pair dissolved their previous nine-year partnership with Edward branching out on his own, setting up base at Hawkesbury.

During that time, Edward enjoyed strong success, headlined by the Group 1 Australian Cup triumph by Duais in 2022.

On Saturday, another of Edward’s headline horses, Strait Acer, fourth in last year’s Golden Eagle, will resume at Rosehill Gardens in the $1.5 million Alan Brown Stakes (1400m).

Strait Acer winning at Randwick last September Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

But the five-year-old gelding will do so in the name of Anthony Cummings solely as the stand-off to resume the training partnership with Racing NSW continues.

The state of limbo has seen Edward - who has already departed his stables at Hawkesbury with the horses now at Randwick and transferred to father Anthony - without an active trainers’ licence.

“After much deliberation and exhausting all potential alternatives, including requesting permission from the ATC Board to train from Leilani Lodge in my own right, this is the best and only option we have,” Edward said in an address to owners.

“As you know, our partnership is still with Racing NSW for approval, but with Myrtle House now managing both the (former) Hawkesbury stable and Leilani Lodge at Randwick, it is imperative that we begin migrating horses to Randwick.

“As a result, I would like to inform you that I will register as the foreman for my father Anthony.

“I will be responsible for all horses and their programs, as well as communications and all other general management of the business, in concert with Dad.

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

“It should go without saying that this process has taken more time than we anticipated, however we must remain respectful of the process Racing NSW wishes to go through.”

In response to the resistance in rubberstamping the training partnership of the famous racing family and the issuing of a “show cause” notice to Anthony Cummings, Racing NSW declined to comment on the matter.

In May, News Corp reported that Twin Hills stud owner Olly Tait had commenced legal action on Anthony Cummings over an unpaid $30,000 bill that threatened to shut down his stables.

But the matter was rectified soon after, with the debt paid in full, averting any further court proceedings.

Anthony Cummings has been training out of Leilani Lodge, named after champion mare Leilani trained by his father, the late, great Bart Cummings, since 1991.

Both Anthony Cummings and Edward Cummings were contacted for comment.

Originally published as Relaunch of training partnership between Anthony and Edward Cummings hits major hurdle