Dilmi is ready for a new chapter as head trainer at Domeland Racing

Cover image courtesy of Trackside Photography

Godolphin’s former Melbourne foreman Nacim Dilmi says he’s looking forward to getting his hands on Domeland’s racing team when he officially takes over from Sara Ryan on August 4. While fully aware of the challenges of stepping into a head trainer role, Dilmi is ready for the next chapter in his career, as he closes the door on a long and successful stint at Godolphin under the guidance of James Cummings.

How Nacim Dilmi found his path in racing

Dilmi’s journey into the racing industry spans two continents, beginning in France despite having no strong family background in horses, just a keen father who loved a punt.

With a keen interest in racing from his dad and a slight build suggesting potential as a jockey, Dilmi’s path was shaped by a mix of opportunity and encouragement.

“It all started in France, and while I had no real racing background at all, my Dad loved a punt and we regularly would go to the races. When I was around 13, I was still pretty small, and I was the right height and weight to be a jockey, and I was keen, and Dad pushed me that way a bit.

“So off I went to racing school as a 13-year-old, and I was sent to a stable and that was Criquette Head’s stable. It was a very big one at the time, and she had about 250 horses in work.

“So I learnt my craft very quickly, and was lucky enough to have a handful of rides for her. Unfortunately, I was forced into retirement very early as I grew and just got too tall and heavy, and that was the end of my riding career in 2006.”

Despite an early end to his riding career, Dilmi’s passion for racing never waned. Determined to stay involved, he moved to the United Kingdom for three years working in stables before what was meant to be a short visit to Australia became a permanent chapter.

“I then headed to the U.K. for about three years, working in stables, and had a winter that I needed to spend somewhere, so with Lauren (my wife now), we came to Australia for a planned six months, and here we are over 15 years later.

“Originally, I worked for Gai (Waterhouse) for six months, and a few other trainers, then in 2011, I went to work for Bart Cummings in Sydney, and James was the foreman at the time.”

Australia quickly revealed itself as a place full of opportunity.

“In Australia, I just learnt and grew. There has always been something about Australian races. The feeling I got was that it is a great place for young people to progress. Australia really had it all.

“Then I have been with James since he went out on his own, and for the last eight years with Godolphin. At that point, I had no real ambition of becoming a trainer, but when I became a foreman, I started going to the races more and being part of that experience, and I thought that maybe it was what I wanted to get into.”

From apprentice jockey to trusted foreman and now newly appointed head trainer, Dilmi’s journey has been marked by steady growth, deep commitment, and quiet determination.

Champions and memories: Horses that shaped Dilmi’s Godolphin years

Spanning nearly 14 years working closely alongside James Cummings, eight of those with Godolphin, Dilmi has been fortunate to handle some of Australia’s finest thoroughbreds. From Sydney to Melbourne, his connections with key racehorses have been strong and memorable.

“In January 2024, I made the move to Melbourne to become Assistant Trainer to James at Flemington, and we have had great success since then.”

When asked about standout horses, Dilmi chuckles.

“How long have you got? We have had a few over the years.”

One particularly influential horse was Trekking (Street Cry {Ire}), a dual Group 1 winner and a key player in James Cummings’ early Godolphin years.

“Trekking was a great horse for James and the team before I went down to Melbourne. When he won the Stradbroke Handicap, that was a big highlight for the team. It also helped James cement his spot at Godolphin. To have a standout horse like him was big.”

More recently, there are a few that have left their mark.

“Bivouac stands out in recent times, he was a fantastic sprinter. Anamoe, when he came down to Melbourne, was great, and I really loved Cascadian.”

“He was such an old warrior. To win back-to-back Australian Cups was fantastic. It’s hard enough to win that race once, let alone twice, and to do it with an import was great for Godolphin. He showed such courage and longevity.”

Reflecting on his time with these champions, Dilmi is humble and grateful.

“I have been very lucky to be around these great horses, and I can’t thank James and the Godolphin team enough. To be able to learn and build my career and my knowledge and expertise alongside these horses is something I will always be grateful for, and I don't take that for granted.”

A new chapter beckons: Taking the reins at Domeland Racing

Nacim Dilmi will step into a new phase as head trainer for Domeland Racing starting the 2025/26 season, following the departure of Sara Ryan.

With a history spanning more than two decades, Domeland has a solid record in Australian racing. Highlights include the win of Northern Drake in the Group 1 Yalumba Stakes win over 25 years ago, as well as recent success with horses like Attractable (I Am Invincible) and Matcha Latte (Maurice {Jpn}). The stable has also bolstered its broodmare band and yearling purchases in recent years, signalling strong ambitions for the future.

Gallery: Notable horses for Domeland Racing, image courtesy of Sportpix

Dilmi explains how the opportunity came about.

“With Sara Ryan leaving, Domeland opened up for applicants, and initially, I didn’t think much of it. But then I knew that James was finishing up, Godolphin was changing its structure, and he was very open with me.

“He had been approached by Hong Kong, and was going to look at the facilities etc over there. He made it clear to me what was going on, and was open in that he hadn’t made a decision, but that I should go for the role anyway.

“He told me to go for it, and so I did. He said the timing is right for you no matter what happens with him, and it would be a good leg up for me.

“James has been very helpful, he had a lot on his plate, but has always been a big help and I am grateful for that.”

Things moved quickly after Dilmi submitted his application.

“They rang me for a chat the day after I applied, and it progressed from there. I didn’t allow myself to be over-confident, as I knew of some really high-quality applicants, and at the end of the day, I’m not an established trainer.”

What appealed to Dilmi was Domeland’s familiar training setup.

“The training model has some parallels with Godolphin but at a smaller scale. The two-setup property and being a sole trainer were things that I liked.”

Having witnessed the shift when James Cummings took over at Godolphin, Dilmi feels well-equipped to embrace this new chapter.

“It was unknown for James when he started at Godolphin and I went along with him—meeting new staff, learning systems, learning the horses. It’s no walk in the park, but I am confident I am ready for it and have had a taste in the past of what that is like.”

The vision and commitment of Domeland’s principal owner, Mr YP Cheng, were also decisive factors.

“Mr Cheng has been investing heavily, he has ambition and he has been buying nice horses and breeding them as well. He is here for the long term and that was a big factor for me.

“He is already well-established and been around Australian racing a long time. His colours are very easily spotted with the bright yellow and red. Sara has done a great job, but I am really looking forward to getting stuck in and building up the place and getting results.”

Ambitions and goals for the road ahead

Though yet to officially start, Dilmi already has big ambitions for Domeland, both immediate impact and sustained growth.

“Obviously I want to get plenty of results at all levels. I want Domeland to be competing in all the big races, and really stamping themselves as a major organisation in Australian racing, which I’m sure is their aim also.”

Among his early targets is a personal milestone inspired by his mentor.

“James’ first Godolphin runner was actually a winner, so I will definitely be aiming for that, although that is not as easy as it sounds!”

The role’s appeal also lies in Domeland’s structure and facilities, which mirror what he’s familiar with.

“It’s a very similar model to Godolphin, but not on a big scale. They’ve got boxes at Wyong and a private property in Kulnura, which is about 20 minutes inland from Wyong.

“The Central Coast is a lovely spot, and I have spent most of my time in Sydney, so myself, and the family are looking forward to the move.

“They spell their own horses and things like that. It’s very similar to Godolphin. So for me, it wouldn’t be too much of a massive change in regards to the setup of how things work. I just need to know their horses and things like that.

“I think they’ve got about 45 on the books in total, not a lot in actual work, but it’s a nice number to start with.”

Though the stable isn’t running at huge numbers, Dilmi sees this as an advantage to get his feet under the desk.

“They don’t have too many in work at the moment, so we will see once we arrive, but I am aiming to make an impact early and get to know all the staff, etc”

There won’t be much downtime either. Dilmi finishes with Godolphin at the end of July and starts with Domeland on August 4, a quick turnaround that he welcomes.

“I am very excited, but at the same time, it’s sad finishing at Godolphin, and them going to a public model. It is a sad chapter for Godolphin, but they have put the horses with the right trainers, and I wish them all the best. The timing has worked out perfect for me,” Dilmi said.

“I finish up with Godolphin at the end of the month, and I start with Domeland on August 4, so it’ll be a quick turnaround. We’ll head straight back to New South Wales and get started not long after, so I’m really looking forward to it.

“I roughly have a week off, but that will be spent packing cardboard boxes. But I am looking forward to getting on with it. I can’t wait.

“It’s going to be tough, and there will be challenges, but I’m ready for it.”