IT may be a long way from Stawell Gift standards, but organisers say the newly revived Warrnambool Gift has promise.
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Victorian Athletic League (VAL) chief executive officer Tom Burbidge said 200 entries had been received for the 16-race event.
“Entries are well over 200 with about 100 individual athletes expected,” he said. “It’s not at the heights of the Stawell Gift but for a first-year event it’s very encouraging. They are good entries for modest prizemoney.
“It’s still very much in its infancy but we are confident it will continue to grow as we get more local people involved.”
It’s the first time the Warrnambool Gift has been held in 13 years and forms part of a double-header with the Terang Gift tomorrow.
A $4800 prize pool is up for grabs with a $500 bonus for athletes who can win races today and in Terang tomorrow.
Burbidge said forming part of a double-header had helped bring in strong entries.
“We have found the double-header works well with country events. We do similar for our Wangaratta and Albury-Wodonga events in January.
“It’s allowed a good partnership with the Terang Gift committee who are very keen to promote both events.”
Burbidge said the VAL would make some future changes to the event. “For us we will look to have a bit more local involvement as we move forward,” he said.
Racing will start at the Jetty Flat Athletics Centre from 1pm today and from 12.30pm at the Terang Recreation Reserve tomorrow.
jwoolley@fairfaxmedia.com.au