Sport
28 December, 2023
Maryborough Gift ready to run, with key chances named
If the indication from the entry fields are any guide, 2024 is set to launch on Monday with an exciting, action-packed pair of Gifts at Princes Park as the Highland Gathering takes hold. For the first time in the event’s history, the Leechs...
If the indication from the entry fields are any guide, 2024 is set to launch on Monday with an exciting, action-packed pair of Gifts at Princes Park as the Highland Gathering takes hold.
For the first time in the event’s history, the Leechs Mitsubishi Womens and Max Martin Memorial Mens Gifts will be offering equal prize money, with $15,000 on offer for both winners.
It’s something that Victorian Athletic League race-caller Oliver Wurm is excited about, knowing the depth in talent that’s coming to Maryborough.
“It’s great for the sport that every meet now has equality in prize money, and there’s plenty of talent in both the men’s and women’s races,” he said.
“The gift races are great, but the junior races are also getting some good numbers, and we are starting to see a lot of youngsters coming through the ranks and are competitive in the open races.”
A fast-paced schedule will come to a head at 5.36 and 5.46 pm respectively, with the women’s and men’s races run back-to-back, ensuring there will be plenty of excitement.
In the men’s field, reigning champion Chris Vi has entered, fresh off two strong wins at the Essendon Gift, as has last year’s runner-up, Luke Mitchell.
Mortlake Gift winner Aaron Peter-Budge comes in with some strong form, while strong sprint runners Jack Wolff, Dashiell Muir and Jared Glover are also entered.
According to Wurm, there are over names to keep an eye on throughout the event.
“We have a guy running from New South Wales, Kenneth Vuong, who is well-handicapped and has run a good 100 m time in the amateurs as well,” he said.
“There’s a couple who have been impressive in the warm-up meets. Daniel White-Alikakos runs off 7.75 and Tom Griffin is another who ran well at Waverley.
“Jackson Bennett runs off 4.25 and has been consistent over the last couple of seasons — he’s had a lot of placings and is itching for a win. He’s definitely someone I would keep an eye on.
“If Liam Moss comes over from South Australia, running off 4.5, he’s a quality athlete, and a good backmarker. He’s come across in recent weeks and has been very competitive.
“An X-factor would be Cooper Sherman, who is a talented 400 m runner with good speed, he’ll be one of the backmarkers, and also Arben Dani, who is a placegetter at the Victorian championships at amateur level.”
Wurm’s excitement about the event also extends to the women’s entrants list, which includes Olympian Morgan Mitchell.
While reigning champion Danielle Shaw isn’t among the entrants this time around, Wurm says there’s still plenty of big names to keep an eye out on, including Mitchell.
“Cassandra Wang Lecouteur is very consistent as a two-time Stawell Gift finalist. She’s one that is impressive to watch,” he said.
“Morgan Mitchell is running off 4.75, and being an Olympian, she is not necessarily a 120 m specialist, but she has a lot of class and it adds plenty of intrigue.
“Katie Moore runs off 11 m and she has been around the sport for 20 years, but in recent weeks, she’s cemented herself as one to watch.
“Jessica Payne will be the backmarker, a state 200 m champion who will be motoring late, and is a quality athlete.”
Across the day, there’s plenty on offer for athletes of all abilities, with the first races of the day seeing the 800 m Open heats at 10 am, while the first final will be held at 11 am with the under 14 mixed final.
Other races to keep an eye on sees the 1600 m Open final at 2.26 pm, the 200 m following both gifts at 5.56 pm, and both women’s and men’s 400 m finals at 6.12 and 6.20 pm respectively.
Wurm says with the added carnival atmosphere, it makes for a unique event for athletes at Maryborough.
“The men’s and women’s Gifts, having that prestige and parading of the athletes is always exciting, and the athletes always enjoy the band performances as well,” he said.
“It’s a very different sort of a meet with the Highland Games feel to it, which makes it so much more special for the athletes.”