August 29, 2016
The Australian Turf Club will permanently honour the achievements of legendary trainer Bart Cummings AM with a special commemoration and statue inside the grounds of Royal Randwick racecourse.
Bart Cummings trained 266 Group 1 winners over a career of more than 50 years, with a record 12 Melbourne Cups, along with multiple winners of Sydney’s biggest races, including four Golden Slippers, five Doncaster Miles and five AJC Derbys.
In consultation with the Cummings family, the ATC will call for tenders to design and construct the project, with a cast statue of the much-loved trainer as the central feature.
This week marks the first anniversary of Bart Cummings’ passing.
The ATC will fully fund the project and look to locate the commemoration in one of Royal Randwick’s most visible public spaces.
Australian Turf Club Chief Executive Officer Darren Pearce said the project will be carefully planned with the Cummings family.
“Bart Cummings was an icon in the world of horse racing and a household name in Australia, so we want to ensure this project is in complete keeping with his legend,” Mr Pearce said.
“We will take as long as possible to ensure the statue and its image are in step with the wishes of Bart’s wife Valmae and the Cummings family.”
Bart Cummings son Anthony said the family was honoured by the Royal Randwick memorial.
“Randwick was Dad’s home base for many decades, and we are grateful and proud to be involved in this project which will forever honour his great record and legacy to Sydney and Australian racing,” Anthony Cummings said.