First Winner for James Cummings

James Cummings was in the winner's circle for the first time on his own at Canterbury on Wednesday following the passing of his legendary grand-father and training partner Bart Cummings in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The horse that put him there was four year-old Mastercraftsman (IRE) gelding Nazir, a half-brother to the Cummings trained dual Group I winning filly Norzita.

Resuming from a spell, the lightly raced Nazir powered home to win over 1580 metres by half a length with Tim Clark in the saddle and looks set for a good campaign.

"It's special to be a part of it," Clark said. "It just goes to show how good a trainer James is.

"To get a horse ready first-up at 1580-metres.

"I'm sure there will be plenty more winners to come."

Only 75 minutes later, James Cummings made it a winning double when the aptly named The Special Two, a five year-old mare by War Pass (USA) from Hansuyen also saluted over 1200 metres.

Nazir was bought by DGR Throughbreds at the Inglis Ready 2 Race Sale from the Lyndhurst Farm draft and is a half-brother to Group I ATC Vinery Stud Stakes and Flight Stakes winner Norzita as well as Kiwi stakes-winner Hollows being the fourth winner from well-bred Quest for Fame (GB) mare Visique.