Australian Horse Racing Trainer Bart Cummings Dies At The Age Of 87

BART CUMMINGS, "one of Australia's most successful and celebrated horse racing trainers, died on Sunday, aged 87," according to Stutchbury & Linden of REUTERS. His family released a statement saying that "he had passed away peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by his family at home in Sydney." Cummings' grandson and training partner JAMES said, "His final moments were spent with his family and wife of 61 years, VALMAE, with whom he celebrated their anniversary on Friday." Cummings "prepared the winners of almost 7,000 races during his training career, which started in 1953." Tributes "began pouring in from all walks of Australian life and flags." Racing New South Wales CEO PETER V'LANDYS: "Bart was always in a league of his own. His larger than life character and sharp wit will be sorely missed." Cummings "spent his entire life around horses, despite being allergic to both the animals and hay, and being told by a doctor to find another profession" (REUTERS, 8/30).