Vin Cox new boss at Godolphin

Vin Cox has been appointed managing director of Godolphin Australia replacing Henry Plumptre at the helm of Sheikh Mohammed’s southern hemisphere racing and breeding operation.

The appointment of Cox, who has been with Magic Millions since 2011, was sealed at the Keeneland September yearling sale last month.  “It wasn’t an easy decision.  I’ve enjoyed the success we’ve had over the past few years at Magic Millions so it’s hard to leave the team.

“I’m a horse guy though – I enjoy pedigrees, I enjoy racing and I enjoy breeding, so it was the combination of all of it that really piqued my interest.”

Plumptre resigned in July following 16 years with Sheikh Mohammed after a case of strangles at one of its Sydney stables was not reported to authorities.  Godolphin Australia’s trainer John O’Shea left his position in April and was replaced by James Cummings.

Cox was headhunted by Joe Osborne who replaced John Ferguson as Godolphin group chief executive in June.  “I won’t be in a rush to make changes,” he said.  “I’m not sure there is too much that needs to be tinkered with.”

He will start after the 2018 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale in January.  Barry Bowditch has been appointed to the managing director’s role at Magic Millions.