With the departure of Godolphin’s head trainer John O’Shea now confirmed the racing ‘RUMOUR MILL’ has hit its straps in two strides with some of the reasons for the split being fair dinkum absurd, rude, crude and outright ridiculous.

I was on the record back when O’Shea accepted the position of Sheikh Mohammed’s number one trainer in Australia following the resignation of Peter Snowden that in my opinion O’Shea’s personality and straight shooting might not be conducive to taking orders. It’s been three years but that will come to end this week when a financial settlement is accepted by both parties.

O’Shea trained 10 group one winners for the Godolphin operation with the latest being It’s Somewhat in the $3 million The Star Doncaster Handicap only a few weeks ago. During their partnership, the Godolphin blue saluted in over 500 races.

So, was O’Shea pushed out the door or did he walk? I think the best way to put it is, John O’Shea quit whilst Godolphin heavyweights were pushing him out the door.

Some of the rumours put the split down to continued disagreements between O’Shea and the boss of Godolphin in Australia Henry Plumptre, the untenable situation between O’Shea and David Charles who is currently taking time off as well as the so-called departure of some experienced and highly regarded staff from the organisation since O’Shea took the reins.

Then there is thought that the James McDonald inquiry was frowned upon by the bosses situated overseas and the apparent link of punters to the stable. Gee racing loves a rumour, we love it.

The departure of O’Shea no matter who made the call is a good result for both. Godolphin can move on and after a short break O’Shea will return to training and he will have no trouble securing owners but then again if he has been taking notice of Peter Moody and how much fun the big fella is having don’t be surprised if they team up. O’Shea and Moody are both born and bred Queenslanders and have many things in common or is this just a rumour.