Cummings racing dynasty on the brink as Anthony withdraws licence appeal
Anthony Cummings has withdrawn an appeal against the stripping of his trainer’s licence by Racing NSW, effectively bringing down the curtain on his career 35 years after he stepped out on his own from under legendary father Bart.
The future of one of most racing’s most storied dynasties at Randwick racecourse has been under threat since the 69-year-old’s licence was revoked this month after an investigation into the winding up of his training company with $2 million of debt.
Anthony Cummings trained his first winner in 1992.Credit: Getty Images
Cummings signalled that he would contest that decision before an independent panel in a bid to continue preparing horses at Randwick’s famous Leilani Lodge stables, which have been occupied by the family for half a century.
On Tuesday, however, he withdrew his application to the racing appeals tribunal, confirming the cancellation of his licence.
As he did, the ongoing tenancy of the Cummings at Leilani Lodge remained up in the air.
A lifeline materialised with one of Anthony’s sons, Edward – a group-1 winning trainer in his own right – given the green light by the Australian Turf Club to take over the facility until after Sydney’s autumn carnival, which runs until April 19.
The Cummings family, Monica and James Cummings, Edward and Sarah Cummings, and Anthony and Bernadette Cummings, at Randwick racecourse.Credit: Jessica Hromas
That was contingent on him being granted a metro trainer’s licence by Racing NSW. On Tuesday, the regulator’s licensing committee was still to confirm a decision on the 38-year-old’s application.
Edward had previously been based at Hawkesbury before relocating his horses to join his father at Randwick, where they had hoped to rekindle their former training partnership under his business Myrtle House.
