Cumani was busy looking over plans for the Ballarat Turf Club’s state-of-the-art training facility on Friday following the state government’s pledge of $300,000 towards the $1.25million project.

While admitting he already had his eye on a move from Newmarket in the UK - where he worked for his father and legendary trainer Luca – to Ballarat, Cumani said the likelihood of a new stable complex being built made the shift even more enticing.

“I came around here four years ago with Terry Henderson from OTI (racing syndicators) and this was always, I think, going to be the spot,” Cumani said.

“But they (BTC) really got me excited about coming here when they mentioned they had space to put in a new stable and wanted to put in a world-class facility.

“That’s half the job of training – having a good facility and good spot to train from.”

Construction on the complex is set to begin early next month, with the finished product to house 40 horses and include a feed room, tack room, wash bays and tie-up stalls. It will also feature an administration block and car park.

It will be owned by the BTC, but leased by Cumani.

Cumani, who has already trained three winners from just 15 starters out of his temporary base in Ballarat, said he would one day like to reach the heights of fellow local trainer Darren Weir.

“Racing is a bit of a numbers game. To reach those heights, you have to have the number of horses,” he said.

“I want to be successful and successful means that.”

BTC chairman Con Powell praised those involved with the club in years gone by that had the foresight to install the uphill training track that is so widely praised in racing circles.

The new stables will be situated inside the BTC grounds on Hygain Lane, near the Ballarat Veterinary Practice.