Bart Cummings, the iconic Australian Thoroughbred trainer that many consider the best racehorse conditioner in the world, passed away on Sunday, August 30 while in his sleep at a family property in Prince’s Farm in Castlereagh, New South Wales. He was 87.
Cummings was referred to as the ‘Cups King’ for having won the Melbourne Cup a record 12 times. As an obituary by The Sydney Morning Herald explains, Cummings had also been named a ‘Living Treasure’ by the National Trust
Cummings’ Melbourne Cup wins came with Light Fingers (in 1965), Galilee (1966), Red Handed (1967), Think Big (1974 and 1975), Gold and Black (1977), Hyperno (1979), Kingston Rule (1990), Let's Elope (1991), Saintly (1996), Rogan Josh (1999), and Viewed (2008).
The obituary also states that Cummings was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 1982 for his services to the racing industry. He was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame nine years later. Fast forward to 2001 and Cummings was was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame. He was also honoured in 2007 by having his image placed on an Australia Post stamp as part of its Australian Legends series.
Bart is survived by his wife, Valmae; children, Margaret, Sharon, Anthony and Anne Marie, and 14 grandchildren.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Bart Cummings.
(With files from The Sydney Morning Herald)
He was an exceptional man and
He was an exceptional man and an extraordinary horseman.
Ask yourself this. How many people in the world have trained the winner of their countries biggest race 12 times?
And quiinellaed 5 times as well.
246(I think) group/grade 1s and winners at all distances,age and sex.
He didn't whisper to horses,he had straight out conversations with them.
Not just a legendary horseman,but an iconic person to many many Australians.
To many he was/is The Melbourne Cup.