Tiarna kicking goals

Prepared by her mother, Tammy Langley, Tiarna settled the daughter of Christian Cullen four back the marker pegs in the $12,000 feature before utilising the Nutrien Sprint Lane to score.

“It was good to finally get the monkey off the back,” said Tiarna post-race.

“I was told if she was going to be any good late, she would have to go to the fence, and with a bit of luck, it panned out pretty well.

“She finished off pretty strong, but she always does when she has a sit on them,” explained the winning driver.

Tiarna, 26, is a late starter at following in her family’s footsteps, including her father Phillip, her brother Dylan and sister Taylor.

“I was never really interested as Dylan and Taylor had a little more talent with the horses. I was more into sport while they did the horses, but when Taylor moved to Victoria and Dylan not having has claim, I thought it was a good chance to have a little try myself,” explained Tiarna.

The winning driver is happy to juggle harness racing around her employment and sporting pursuits.

“I am really enjoying racing, but I like to have a bit of a social life as well, and the horses can put a stop to that, so I will keep it as a hobby for now and see how things pan out,” she said.

The concession driver said she was appreciative of the drive opportunities that had been given to her by not only her family but that by trainer Ben Yole.

Tiarna was full of praise for the assistance that has been given to her in the early stages of her driving career by her brother Dylan.

“Dylan helps me out with some form and isn’t afraid to tell me what I do wrong more so than good, but it is all worth it when you drive a winner,” she said.

And Dylan reminded her of his talents on the card with a driving treble on Sunday’s 11-race card.

 

By Duncan Dornauf for Tasracing