Australian trainer Bart Cummings dies aged 87
Sunday 30 August 2015 10:51, UK
Legendary Australian trainer Bart Cummings, who won the Melbourne Cup a record 12 times, has died at the age of 87 at his home in Sydney.
His grandson and training partner James said in a statement to the Australian media that Cummings died in his sleep.
"James Bartholomew Cummings, OAM, passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of this morning, Sunday the 30th of August 2015, in his homestead at Princes Farm, Castlereagh," he told www.aapmegaform.com.
"His final moments were spent with his family and wife of 61 years, Valmae, with whom he celebrated their anniversary on Friday.
"For Bart, aged 87, this was a fitting end. A husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather; a master trainer and a larger than life figure.
"We will miss you."
Cummings first took out a trainer's licence in 1953 and had the first of his Melbourne Cup winners in 1965 with Light Fingers. The last of his triumphs in the race that stops a nation was with Viewed in 2008.
He was awarded the Order of Australia in 1982 for his services to horse racing and was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1991 and the Australian Racing Hall of Fame in 2001.
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott led the tributes to Cummings, hailed as a "legend of the track and giant of the sport" after he famously claimed 12 victories in Australia's greatest race, the Melbourne Cup.
He said: "Few people have dominated a sport like Bart Cummings did.
"He will be remembered as a truly great trainer, the winner of literally thousands of races. Race day will not be the same without him.
"On behalf of all Australians, we extend our sincerest sympathies to Bart's wife of 61 years, Valmae, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren."
Long-time rival Gai Waterhouse said Cummings, who was fondly known in racing as the 'Cups King', was an "icon of our country".
She told The Age: "He is going to be sadly missed by his family and friends and my thoughts are with his family.
"He was an icon of our country and his 12 Melbourne Cup wins is amazing. He is an all-time great Australian trainer."
