DOMELAND APPOINTS NACIM DILMI AS NEW HEAD TRAINER

HIGHLY credentialled horseman Nacim Dilmi has been appointed as Domeland’s new head trainer at its dual Central Coast operation.

Dilmi takes up the role on August 4, replacing Sara Ryan, who leaves after a successful six years to establish her own public training venture at Wyong.

Domeland says Dilmi will bring a wealth of experience to their Australian racing operation, having worked alongside some of the country’s leading trainers since arriving in Australia in 2009.

The French-born 37-year-old joins Domeland after an eight-year stint with the world’s largest thoroughbred operation Godolphin, where he worked as assistant trainer to James Cummings and travelled the stable’s Group 1 stars to carnivals in Perth and Brisbane before taking over as head of the global giant’s Melbourne stable in January 2024.

Dilmi oversaw the campaigns of numerous stakes winners while leading Godolphin’s Melbourne operation, including Group 1 victories with Cylinder in the 2024 VRC Newmarket Handicap, Cascadian in the 2024 Australian Cup and Tom Kitten in this year’s All-Star Mile.

As Domeland’s head trainer, Dilmi will take control of the stable’s two elite facilities on the NSW Central Coast; a 260-acre property at Kulnura with a 3000m grass track, and 35 boxes at Wyong racecourse.

Together they form the backbone of a business that includes more than 50 registered racehorses, yearlings and breeding stock.

Before linking with James Cummings, Dilmi worked alongside Victorian Group 1 winning trainer Greg Eurell, Australia’s Queen of the Turf Gai Waterhouse, and Cups King Bart Cummings.

Following Godolphin’s decision to dissolve their private training model in Australia at the end of this current racing season, Dilmi was offered numerous roles at prominent stables in Sydney and Melbourne, but said the opportunity to lead Domeland into a new era of success was irresistible.

“I have always wanted to train and with James (Cummings) going to Hong Kong, it was the right time for me to step up,” he said today.

“When Domeland rang to offer me the job, it was really exciting.

“You always know when their horses are racing, and you can spot their red and yellow colours a mile away.

“I’ve been watching most of their runners and Domeland have some exciting horses that I’m really looking forward to getting my hands on.”

Managing director King Cheng said he was thrilled to secure a trainer of Dilmi’s calibre to lead Domeland’s racing operation.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Nacim to the Domeland team,” Mr Cheng said.

“He brings world-class experience from Godolphin and will build on the strong foundation set by Sara over the last few years.

“We believe Nacim is the right person to guide our stable into its next chapter.”

. After a period as pre-trainer, Sara Ryan took up the role of Domeland’s head trainer during the 2022-23 season, and has since accumulated more than 50 winners and nearly $6.5m in prizemoney for the private racing operation.

“I’m extremely grateful to Domeland for giving me the opportunity to launch my training career,” Ryan said.

“It has been a rewarding journey and I’m looking forward to the new challenges ahead.”

Story John Curtis, July 21, 2025