Good guys can finish first!

THREE decades ago while leaving Moonee Valley I noticed a car with its bonnet open.

It was after the last race, the car's owner and I were pretty much the only people still around, so I asked what the problem was.

Complete with shorts and chicken legs, the skinny kid explained his car had a slow leak from the radiator hose, so I headed to my vehicle, grabbed the water bottle from the boot, helped and sent the young reinsman on his way.

Thirty years later, I am proud to say Darren Pace has become a top mate and am even prouder he registered his biggest win in Melton last Saturday night.

Pace trained and drove Sam Nien to win a $125,000 Trot Final, with the son of Volstead rating 2:00.5 over 2240 metres to beat Ijustcalledtosay and Voldagha.

Now, this feature could contain the usual quotes from the winner "I'm just so ecstatic" or "this is the biggest thrill during my time in the sport" maybe even "I've always dreamed of winning a race like this".

But, instead it was decided to bypass Pace and ask those around him what they think the win means.

A lifelong friend of Pace's, hobby horseman David Magri described the moment akin to "watching a brother reach the stars".

"I've known Darren since we were pups and he's always been a wonderful person to be around," Magri said. "I made the trip from Burrumbeet to watch Darren race and couldn't have been more excited when he hit the front.

"Seeing Darren at the presentation was like watching a brother reach the stars."

Prominent identity David Miles was seen congratulating Pace in the stall area, with the multiple Group One winning trainer-driver genuinely thrilled for "such a top bloke."

"I've known Darren for more than 30 years, and all I can say is he is one of the nicest people you will ever meet...he's such a top bloke," Miles said.

"We went through the junior driving ranks together and Darren has become a top friend since.

"Watching Darren win was the best...absolutely awesome!

"Darren is a gentleman who is always there to lend a helping hand, he's always up and about...a champion guy, who I am stoked to see get his biggest win."

Although his opinion could be considered bias, it would be remiss not to talk to the man who introduced Pace into harness racing - his father, Vic.

Vic has passed on the standardbred bug he caught from his late father, Joe, to his four children.

Joe prepared trotters in Malta, making Pace a third generation trainer.

Pace's sons, Riley and Blake, are both talented concession drivers.

"I couldn't be happier or prouder of Darren," Vic said. "Darren loves the sport and has worked all his life for this win.

"He does an amazing job with the horses, while also working full-time, raising his three kids with his wife Cynthia and still finding time for others.

"Yes, I'm his Dad, so it is easy to say those things, but the truth speaks for itself."