Jazmine races to a record
IT is the world’s oldest professional sprint race that has always seen a man cross the finish line first.
But a 147-year record was broken yesterday when a Scots teenager became the first woman to win the Powderhall Sprint.
Traditionally held on January 1, the event, at Musselburgh Racecourse in East Lothian, is now a key feature of the town’s annual festive horseracing and athletics gala.
And making history yesterday, Jazmine Tomlinson, 18, brought a record 5,400-strong crowd to their feet when she took first place, pipping her two closest competitors – both male – to the title.
Miss Tomlinson, from Jedburgh in Roxburghshire – who came third last year – was among 88 runners who entered, keen to take home the first prize of £4,000 .
She made it through the heats to hold her nerve and win the final.
Clutching the impressive crystal trophy, the delighted teenager said: ‘It’s unbelievable and it still hasn’t sunk in. I’m going to use the money to buy a car.
‘It was a really close finish but it was a great feeling to win in front of more than 5,000 people – it’s by far the biggest crowd I’ve raced for. It’s a great venue too and a brilliant atmosphere.
‘There won’t be too many celebrations as I don’t drink but it’s amazing to be the first girl to win this as everyone wants to win the New Year Sprint.’
Race promoter Frank Hanlon said: ‘We have been waiting for about the last 15 years for a female winner and it was only a matter of time before the men’s hold on this historic race was shattered.
‘With a record crowd at Musselburgh Racecourse, Jazmine couldn’t have picked a better time to enter the history books.’
A member of the Tweed Leader Jed Track Club, Jazmine works part-time at the Teviot Smokery and a pub in her home town. She hopes to start a sports science degree course at Stirling University later this year.
Bill Farnsworth, Musselburgh Racecourse general manager, said: ‘What an excellent way to kick-start 2016. We have pulled in our largest-ever crowd for the New Year’s Day meeting and they were all on their feet to watch Jazmine race home to become the first female New Year’s Day sprint champion.’
Miss Tomlinson’s win garnered praise on social media. Her uncle Mark Tomlinson posted: ‘Unbelievably proud of my not so little niece Jazmine Tomlinson for being the first female to win the sprint.’