The fourth generation of the Cummings family has etched his name on the Group One honour roll after a thrilling win by Hallowed Crown in the Golden Rose.
James Cummings, who works in partnership with his famous grandfather Bart, is the son of multiple Group One winning trainer Anthony and the great grandson of Jim Cummings who began the dynasty.
“One more Group One win for Bart, one for me,” James Cummings said.
It was in fact Group One win No.267 for Bart and one of the few elite races not already on his resume.
Hallowed Crown ($6.50) went into Saturday’s 1400-metre race unbeaten from three starts but with the second widest barrier.
He was at the rear of the field early but Hugh Bowman kept him under control and made his move late with Scissor Kick ($13).
The pair kicked away with a long head separating them on the line with Shooting To Win another to make ground from the back to finish third, 1-1/4 lengths from the runner-up.
“He is a serious colt and hopefully one that takes us all the way to the top,” Cummings said.
“He has kept taking the next step and had to make such a sustained run.
“A Group One win is special for any trainer. This is special for everyone involved to win Sydney’s biggest race of the spring.”
Hallowed Crown’s win was a family affair in more ways than one with the colt raced by Eduardo Cojuangco whose granddaughter and racing manager Monica is married to James Cummings.
Cojuangco watched the race from his home in Manila and called his granddaughter after the race.
“He was crying he was so overwhelmed,” she said.
“He said it was his biggest thrill in racing.”
It was the fourth win in the race for Bowman but his first since it was elevated to Group One.
It was also a race which panned out beautifully and the jockey gave credit to the runner-up.
“A lot of credit goes to Scissor Kick because he got into the run where I wanted to be and he had to do all the work.
“He took me into the race.”
Cummings would not be drawn on how far into the spring Hallowed Crown would go but Scissor Kick’s owner John Messara, father of trainer Paul, said his colt would continue.
“He just couldn’t get in. He was five-wide with no cover,” Messara said.
“We will see how he pulls up but obviously he’s a Group One horse. We’ve just got to find the right race for him.”
Peter Snowden, co-trainer of Shooting To Win, said the Caulfield Guineas was a target while Gai Waterhouse also confirmed that race as the aim for fourth-placed Almalad.
“He ran a very honest race,” she said.
“I will take him down for the Guineas. I won’t change his program.
Peter Moody said he was undecided about the program of the beaten favourite Bring Me The Maid ($3.50) who finished eighth.
