It was a case of like father, like son at Randwick today as Edward Cummings followed in his father's Anthony's footsteps by celebrating his first stakes win as a trainer with Top Of My List in the Japan Racing Association Plate.
Another landmark victory for the famous racing family was also a welcome outcome for Anthony and Edward since their training partnership began early last month.
Although they soon had success when Screamarr won at Kembla Grange, subsequent races had not gone their way until Top Of My List held her rivals at bay at Randwick today.
Top Of My List ($18) beat Sons of John ($11) by three-quarters of a length with Rudy ($18) third, three lengths adrift.
Edward Cummings said the win was especially sweet because one of Top Of My List's connections, Martin Einfield, provided a reference when the rookie applied for his trainer's licence.
"Martin actually recommended me as a trainer. It's lovely to win for them, my first stakes win," he said.
Top Of My List had been kept fresh since finishing third in the Epona Stakes at Rosehill on March 18. But the stable was always confident she would thrive after a mini-break.
"She's a fantastic fresh horse. We had no qualms about her having the break between runs," Edward said. "We just thought it was imperative she got a nice comfortable run in transit."
Jockey Tim Clark was also impressed after riding Top Of My List for the first time.
"I just sort of let her find the front under her own steam and when she heard them come up behind her she dragged herself up the rise, kicked strongly and she was full of running to the line," he said.
The Gr. 2 Brisbane Cup (2400m) at Eagle Farm on June 10 is now likely to be on Top Of My List's winter agenda.
