In order to establish the All-Time Australian G1 Champion Trainer, Form Focus utilised numerous reference sources in order to accurately tabulate the G1 winning records of both Tommy Smith and Bart Cummings.

Whether it be biographies, Miller’s Guide, various websites, Racetrack magazines, racing-related sources and/or the ubiquitous Wikipedia, Form Focus collected all it could to determine the correct totals.

The Industry backed Australian Race-Results Annuals and Turf Registers were relied upon as a source of reliable data, then cross-referenced with the National Library Trove Newspapers section.

A comprehensive audit process was then undertaken to identify any possible anomalies or omissions.

Comparing the external numbers/lists to what Form Focus has collated and verified is explained and presented here.

(For a detailed explanation on the Group One criteria adopted by Form Focus, please refer to the FAQ)

These 55 races therefore do not qualify as G1 wins when Cummings won them.

Another (potential) anomaly is the WATC Karrakatta Plate, which Cummings won in 1973 – this race was upgraded to G1 in 1984 but reverted to G2 in 1998. It also fails to qualify as a G1 when Cummings won it.

Further, some sources claim the Merson Cooper Stakes (which Cummings won in 1966) qualifies as a G1 race in that it was replaced by the Blue Diamond Stakes. It has been established that the Blue Diamond was a “created” new race. The Merson Cooper lapsed, subsequently re-instated in Spring.

1. 1970 VATC UNDERWOOD STAKES won by BIG PHILOU
2. 1971 STC TANCRED CUP (Stakes) won by NATURAL TRUMP
3. 2014 ATC GOLDEN ROSE won by HALLOWED CROWN
4. 2015 ATC RANDWICK GUINEAS won by HALLOWED CROWN

Note: The Golden Rose & Randwick Guineas were trained in partnership with Cummings’ grandson James.

These 49 races therefore do not qualify as G1 wins when Smith won them.

Another (potential) anomaly is the QTC Sires Produce Stakes, which Smith won 5 times – this race was upgraded to G1 in 1987 but reverted to G2 in 2005. It also fails to qualify as a G1 when Smith won it.

1. 1969 STC TANCRED CUP (Stakes) won by PRINCE GRANT
2. 1946 STC RAILWAY QUALITY (George Ryder Stks) won by BRAGGER
3. 1965 STC RAILWAY QUALITY (George Ryder Stks) won by RUSH BYE

Note: The George Ryder Quality commenced in 1973, the STC re-naming it in place of the STC Railway Quality which had been conducted since 1903. The George Ryder (changed to WFA in 1979) was assigned G1 status upon the adoption of the Group system, therefore the Railway Quality qualifies as the forerunner to the Ryder.