The remarkable training career of Bart Cummings is 60 years old...
The remarkable training career of Bart Cummings is 60 years old with the octogenarian looking forward to the spring when he will vie for a 13th Melbourne Cup.
The legend began on May 29, 1953 almost by accident when South Australian stewards said a licensed trainer and not a foreman had to look after his father Jim's horses while he was on an extended overseas holiday otherwise they would be transferred to a different stable.
Bart Cummings went from foreman to fully fledged trainer but when his father returned his son's team was reduced.
Bart Cummings: Melbourne Cup wins
1965: Light Fingers
1966: Galilee
1967: Red Handed
1974: Think Big
1975: Think Big
1977: Gold And Black
1979: Hyperno
1990: Kingston Rule
1991: Let's Elope
1996: Saintly
1999: Rogan Josh
2008: Viewed
It took until February 1955 for Bart's first winner, Wells, and another three years for his first Group One winner, Stormy Passage in the South Australian Derby.
His 266th Group One victory came last month with Norzita in the Vinery Stud Stakes.