Jubilation on show for the world to see

THERE was no hiding the joy as Blazin By crossed the line at Ballarat a few nights ago.

Sure the race was a standard midweek event, but the moment was anything but a run-of-the-mill occasion for young driver Riley Pace.

A third generation horseman, Pace's jubilation was on show for the world to see as the 17-year-old registered his maiden victory at his 39th drive.

"I'm rapt," Pace declared. "Couldn't be happier!

"It took longer than I would've liked, but I got there, which is good.

"Plus, now maybe my brother Blake can back off because he was letting me know it didn't take him as long!"

Brilliantly driven at the start to be settled in the one-one from his second line draw, Blazin By was shuffled through the field as Not For Me and Onyx were sent forward to the 'death seat'.

Angled three-wide at the bell, the son of Betting Line sustained a strong sprint to score by seven-and-a-half metres from Assigned.

Onyx battled on to be a half-head away third in 2:01.7 over 2150 metres.

"We were confident before the race as his recent runs were good," Pace said. "But he still had to get out there and do it.

"When he hit the lead I was waiting for a sweeper, but he kept running.

"I felt like the straight was going forever, that the line wasn't going to come up, and I was rapt when we got there."

Trained by Pace's father, Darren, Blazin By also provided a proud moment for the elder statesman.

"I remember driving my first winner for my Dad (Vic) and how exciting it was," Darren said. "Now having my sons driving winners for me is something all-the-more special."