Sisters claim to be secret grandchildren of racing legend Bart Cummings
Two sisters have come forward claiming to be the biological grandchildren of legendary horse trainer Bart Cummings, according to News Corp.
The duo have requested DNA samples from Cummings' family for scientific confirmation of the relationship, the Courier Mail reports.
Julia and Kim Manders have solicited the services of a lawyer to help them fight for the testing and have also made a public appeal with their request, stating that past requests to their ‘potential’ family members have been unsuccessful.
The sisters told News Corp that they are willing to sign legal documentation which will see the pair forfeit any rights for financial claims against Cummings’ $30 million estate.
“We will sign any document that this is not about money,” Kim told News Corp.
They pair reportedly feel they have a right to confirm any potential biological heritage now and for any children in the future.
The sisters reportedly believe their father, Peter Mander was the secret biological child of Bart from a relationship with their grandmother before he was married.
Mander died aged 54 in 2006 of a brain tumour.
According to News Corp a family friend first mentioned to Peter, in 1996, that he was Cummings’ son.
Kim, 29 and Julia, 27, reportedly say their father spent the final decade of his life trying to reconcile with Bart.
The sisters say the pair met up on three separate occasions and now it’s up to them to honour his memory.
“Bringing this in to the open is all about recognition for our dad and, hopefully, to gain our medical records,” Kim told News Corp.
“It makes no difference for us if our grandfather was Bart Cummings or the milkman — but it’s vitally important to get some clarity. We would like the DNA as it’s our genes, too.
“From a medical standpoint, having our brother (Adam) die in infancy is potentially a genetic issue we need to know about.”
Kim works as a specialist in brain cancer research with the Neurosurgical Research Foundation at the University of Adelaide.
According to News Corp Anthony Cummings, Bart’s son, expressed no surprise at the sisters' story.
“I have no recollection of the name (Peter Mander) or the circumstances… so there is nothing more I can add,” he told News Corp.
However the sisters have reportedly provided compelling evidence to support their claims including birth certificates, letters, photographs and statutory declarations.
Cummings was born in Glenelg in 1927 and went on to train 12 Melbourne Cup winners.
He died in August last year aged 87.
According to News Corp his family, including ailing wife Valmae and surviving children Margaret, Anthony, Sharon and Anne-Marie, are currently contesting his estate in the NSW courts.
The sisters say they decided to go public with their claims because they are “tired of all the secrets” and want everyone to know what they believe to be the truth.
