Yo Adrian, you did it!

BUDDING reinsman Adrian Pace joined a long family line when he made his way into the winners’ circle in Cranbourne yesterday.

Registering his maiden success, Pace became the third generation of his direct male-line to complete a Victorian win.

Pace is the son of astute horseman Joe Pace, who is by respected trainer Vic.

Each of Vic’s progeny Joe, Darren, Nat and William have won races, with Adrian the first of the elder statesman’s grandchildren to compete in a TAB race.

Overall more than a dozen members of the Pace clan – consisting of Vic’s siblings, nephews and nieces – have trained, driven or owned winners.

“Harness racing has been a part of our family long before I was born,” Pace said. “Pretty much ever since my granddad’s family came from Malta the Paces have been involved in harness racing in Australia in some way.

“Before that my great grandfather Joseph raced horses through the streets of their village on Sunday afternoons.

“Harness racing is also on my mum’s side, so it is a big part of our family.”

Driving Wheres Seggy, Pace settled the son of Hurrikane Kingcole towards the tail of the field from his second row draw as Romany Brown led from barrier two.

Angled three-wide along the back straight, Wheres Seggy sustained a strong sprint to notch a four-metre win from Letherhairdown, with Mystic Castle four metres away third.

Co-owned by Pace and Vic, Wheres Seggy rated 2:00.9 over 2080 metres.

“I was pretty excited when he hit the front and was just hoping he would hold on,” Pace said. “I was rapt after we crossed the line.

“I don’t want to ruin Dad’s moment as he drove Natty Pagger to win the next race, but that was my ninth drive and I think it took him a lot longer to get his first win!”