Ballarat's Tara Domaschenz triumphs in Black Pearl final in Bendigo
Ballarat's Tara Domaschenz was starting to wonder if she was going to win a feature race again.
In recent years victories for the 28-year-old from Ballarat have been as rare as toilet paper in an Aussie supermarket.
A string of recent placings only added to her frustration, but on Saturday night she put it all together to win the $3500 Black Pearl 400m Handicap.
Tara Domaschenz wins the $3500 Black Pearl 400m final at the Bendigo International Madison carnival. Picture: ADAM BOURKE
"This is so special,'' an elated Domaschenz said after the win.
"I won the Stawell 400 back in about 2012, so it's been a while since I won a big race.
"I'm so happy to have finally won another big race.
"I've had lots of seconds in the last couple of years, so I'm really happy to get a win."
Racing off a handicap of 14m, Domaschenz proved too strong for Layla Watson (22m) and Kiara Reddingius (12m) in a time of 55.979 seconds.
Under the guidance of coach Peter O'Dwyer, Domaschenz has enjoyed a consistent track season.
Tara Domaschenz rounds the first bend in the 400m final.
"I've been focusing on the Gifts this year and I've ran well without winning one,'' she said.
"I ran the 400m at Castlemaine and finished second, so I thought I may as well have a crack at the 400m here."
After she crossed the finish line Domaschenz was mobbed by her coach and training partners.
"Honestly, I wouldn't be still running if it wasn't for the group that we have,'' she said.
"They're amazing people. Peter is like a second Dad. I see him everyday and he looks after me."
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