Part-time trainer Paul Cumming scored his first winner in town at Caulfield on Wednesday, as Divine Crown’s $4,250 purchase secured his third career victory under Daniel Stackhouse.

The son of Showtime was caught on the fence for much of the 1,800-yard ride, but came home when the gaps finally appeared, sneaking up to Son Of Solly ($9) and saluting like a shot at $10.

It was a big thrill for the Macedon Lodge-based rider, a Hong Kong Jockey Club-certified farrier who trains mainly at the picturesque facilities.

One of the first to congratulate him after the race was Tony McEvoy, who helped Cumming learn the practice game as he contemplated this change.

“I owe a lot to this man, I spent many years with him. I was a farrier all my life and I spent a few years with Tony when I was trying to train,” Cumming said .

“Himself, along with Mick Shepherdson, taught me a lot. I owe a lot to Tony. It’s fantastic, just fantastic.

“He was a cheap horse, not the most natural horse, but he’s actually having a really good track record. He’s a bit of a truck, but he keeps giving.”

WATCH: Divine Crown Victory

Purchased by Cumming’s wife as an anonymous yearling in early 2022, Divine Crown has now earned more than $76,000 through his connections, most of whom are Cumming’s friends and family.

He was groomed by Mathew Ellerton for his four starts and first victory, before Cumming officially became his trainer in March.

At just four years old, with 10 starts under his belt and having never exceeded 1800m, it seems unlikely that Wednesday’s victory will be Divine Crown’s last.

“There’s a lot of friends and family riding. My two daughters are here and my wife is here,” Cumming said.

“Special mention to my wife, she bought the horse online. He was just a cheapie and when I looked at him I thought he wasn’t very good looking.

“But he has become a good horse and he is doing a good job. He is in his second preparation for the race, he is four years old and he is a horse of the times.

“I’m lucky enough to train at Macedon Lodge and everyone knows how good the facilities are there. He’s the perfect horse to train at a place like that.”