Tim Varga: Tamworth reinsman wins first race after years of trying

That was Tamworth reinsman Tim Varga's reaction after driving his first winner, at Tamworth Paceway on Thursday afternoon, when longshot Farrahflower claimed race two.

"I was going to retire from driving but decided to try out the new gig on Thursday and got a win first up. [I] will have to think about things now," the popular 39-year-old said.

Varga raced in a new gig on Thursday after his other stable runner, Prince Of Payne (he only has two horses in work), took out the Bill Barraclough/Kevin Ward Memorial race at Armidale in May with Tom Ison driving. The gig was the trophy.

Varga made his way into the industry as a self-admitted "late starter" in the 2016-17 season, and views harness racing as a hobby.

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"I should have started 15 years ago, as I enjoy harness racing - it's a good sport to be in.

"I'm too old to play other sports now. I am committed to harness racing. It is an outlet for me away from work."

Punters who backed Farrahfowler also had cause to celebrate, as the return was $71 (fixed odds) and $87.50 (tote).

Varga's family business is Johns Auto Service at Taminda. He works alongside his brother and fellow reinsman Anthony.

"You can't make money out of harness racing but you are certainly surrounded by a lot of good people," Varga said. "I will have to savour the win for another 150 drives."

He has had 22 minor placings.

Farrahfowler, an eight-year-old Miles McCool mare, was having her 126th race start. It was her ninth win.

Varga also trains the marer.

He has had more success as a trainer than as a reinsman.

"I have trained about five winners, but I don't mind putting others on to drive as they normally get a winner for me," he said.

Farrahfowler went straight to the lead from the three barrier and held off Smiling (Dean Chapple) before Jackeroo Shannon took up the racing position outside Farrahfowler.

"Dean Chapple challenged me at the start of the race but I held him out," Varga said. "It was a lot better race conditions than last week, when we had to race three wide.

"It was only the last 10m that I thought I was going to win, when nothing was coming at me."

Farrahfowler had a 1.5m win over Jackeroo Shannon (Sarah Rushbrook). Smiling was a further 1.4m away in third place.

Varga said: "Sarah (Rushbrook) said to me that was the most excited she has ever been to be beaten."

He lives at a Burgmann's Lane property with his wife, Amber, and their children, Johnny, 4, and Sunny, 2.

"We will probably have a Chinese meal to celebrate," he said. "I have to thank Amber, as she has allowed me to follow my hobby while she is at home with the two little ones.

"I have to thank a lot of people, as there have been so many who have helped me along the way.

"And a big thanks to Paul and Michael Grima, who are just down the road from me. It was good to see that Michael also had a driving double today [Thursday]."

Michael Grima picked up his first leg of the winning double with the Len Simon-trained Dark Side ($7.50) and then won behind his own pacer, Freddie's Delight ($6.50), who he also trains.

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