Luca Cumani had ‘inkling’ of owner’s departure

Luca Cumani may have had an “inkling” earlier in the year that a parting of the ways could come with Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, owner of King George winner and leading Arc contender Postponed.

The Newmarket-based trainer has been enjoying a good season in the yellow and black silks, with Connecticut’s recent win in the Bosphorus Cup in Turkey and a third place in the Oaks for Lady Of Dubai supplementing Postponed’s Group One success at Ascot back in July.

Cumani won the 1998 Derby for Sheikh Obaid with High-Rise and no issues were evident as Postponed came through his Arc prep in last Sunday’s Prix Foy in fine style.

Cumani underlined no reason has been given as to why Sheikh Mohammed’s cousin has opted to remove all his horses, transferring them to fellow Newmarket handler Roger Varian.

Cumani said: “It’s actually 35 horses that will be taken away. Obviously we’re all very shocked, I especially feel very sorry for the staff who’ve worked hard on these horses all year.

“We’ve been told not to run any more horses and when big-race targets were coming up it’s very sad for the staff, they work hard and look after the horses and care a lot about their horses.

“Owners have that prerogative, they buy the horses and they can choose who trains them.”

Asked why he thought the split might have happened, Cumani said: “I’m not sure, I haven’t been given a reason, yes I’ve had inklings, it started in the spring with rumblings and then it was confirmed to me the week after (Glorious) Goodwood. No date set, and now recently I’ve been told I’m not to run any more horses.

“But I want to take this opportunity to thank Sheikh Obaid for 20 years of support and many, many good horses. I’ve been privileged to train them.”