Almost a week after reports surfaced John O'Shea had resigned as its head Australian trainer, Godolphin has confirmed he has stepped down.

Darren Beadman, right hand man to O'Shea during his three-year tenure, was granted a trainer's licence on Friday afternoon with horses to race under his name from Sunday.

Godolphin Australia managing director Henry Plumptre confirmed O'Shea's departure in a statement on Friday night.

He said Godolphin had begun the process to appoint a new head trainer with Beadman the interim head trainer.

"John has overseen significant change and on track success at our racing organisation over the past three years and we thank him for the hard work and dedication he brought to the role," Plumptre said.."

"John has trained 10 Group One winners for Godolphin during his three years headlined by back-to-back Golden Rose victories in 2015 with Exosphere and 2016 with Astern."

"We wish John all the best in the future."

O'Shea said his time at Godolphin had been one of the most satisfying periods of his careerand he would take a break from training before deciding his next step.

"I want to thank His Highness Sheikh Mohammed for the wonderful opportunity that has been afforded me over these past three years. I have enjoyed immensely training the Godolphin horses," he said.

"Godolphin is an amazing organisation with tremendous staff and I wish them well in the future."