Hale to start behind scratch
FOR the first time in the 131year history of the race, the Burnie Gift will have a starter from behind scratch.
Tasmanian superstar Jack Hale will run from -1m in the famed race today, following his triumph in Latrobe four days ago, where he won from the mark of 0.5m.
He was not perturbed with the news, backing his form to still send a warning sign to his rivals.
“Although I’m unfazed about running 121m in a 120m race, given the history it is an honour,” the Australian under-20 record holder said.
Running from behind scratch is not anything new to the 19-year-old, after he falsestarted in his semi-final on New Year’s Day in 2016, he still ran second in his semifinal from -0.5m, then second in the final, behind John Howe both times.
“The reaction from the crowd when I made the final from -0.5m was incredible, so hopefully we can get a similar feeling in the stadium tomorrow night,” Hale said.
Already one of Australia’s richest gifts, with $9000 going to the winner, an anonymous local has stumped up a bonus $1000 if he can get the business done from -1m.
Featuring a big boost in prizemoney, the women’s gift has been bolstered by the addition of two of Australia’s top sprinters. Ash Whittaker and Maddie Coates will run from scratch, as members of the Athletics Australian Commonwealth Games relay program.
They will aim to hold off three-time champion and recently crowned Devonport Gift winner Morgan Gaffney, along with Latrobe winner Abby Chapman.
Top Australian track cyclist Sam Welsford missed his chance for a clean sweep of the Tasmanian Christmas Carnival wheel races. Having won the major rides at Latrobe and Launceston, the West Australian was unable to progress to the final of the Devonport Wheel on Saturday night.
It was taken out by Kelland O’Brien from scratch.
Today, Welsford will aim to be the first man to win three Burnie Wheels in a row.
Amy Cure will look to win her fourth Burnie major, having previously taken out the Burnie Wheels in 2010, 2015 and 2016.
The world champion speedster carries strong form, having romped home in both criteriums so far and the Launceston wheel on Thursday.
Another feature of the historical day will be the Zezt Mile. After Ryan Gregson’s scintillating victory from scratch 12 months ago, another world-class field has been assembled.