THE Cummings name is synonymous with the Melbourne Cup, so it was appropriate on Cup day, two months after Bart Cummings' death, a Cummings-trained horse won.

Cummings, who died in August aged 87, won the Melbourne Cup 12 times, seven more than his closest rival. The great man's colours - black and white chequered with yellow sleeves - representing owner Dato Chin Nam have been carried on by grandson James.

James enjoyed an emotional victory at Flemington when Zarzali, ridden by Glen Boss wearing those same famous colours, won the second race of the day - the $100,000 tab.com.au Trophy.

"It's nice, without getting too emotional, to get a winner on this day as a Cummings and whether it was me or my father Anthony," James said. "Someone's smiling on us from above. I get that feeling for sure."

James worked in partnership with his grandfather until his death and is now trying to forge a career as a trainer.

After yesterday's success, he recalled Bart's words to him when they began their partnership two years ago.

"You're on your own journey now," he said. "Don't listen to anyone wanting to compare you to anyone else.

"It's about you now. I hope I've taught you well enough."

Zarzali was the $2.80 favourite and won by a neck from Precious Gem, which was looking for back-to-back wins in the race, with Lilly Dazzler a further three-quarters of a length back in third.