Ballarat Gift: Wearne, Mair take marquee titles
By Melanie Whelan, gallery by Jeremy Bannister
Stablemaster Craig Mair claimed the $16,000 Ballarat Gift sash one week after he topped the Albury-Wodonga main prize.
Mair, in his return to running after a two-month break from competition, was stunned. The veteran ran off 12 metres, having been pulled back two metres after his win in Albury.
“I thought this field was way too hot for me to win, and that Albury would be too good,” Mair said.
“To be honest, this final is the biggest race I’ve ever been in. I’ve never made a final like Ballarat before.
“To win it is mind-boggling. I’m still not sure how I did it.”
Meanwhile, super Sydney sprinter Christine Wearne ploughed down the $5000 Ballarat Women’s Gift final field for victory off 0.25 metres.
Wearne pipped Ballarat duo Jenna Cartledge (8.25m) and Grace O’Dwyer (7.75m) in the gates.
“I came here and just wanted to make a semi-final and thought that’ll be an achievement,” Wearne said.
“I didn’t expect to win at all.”
GIFT RESULTS
Craig Mair (12m) 12.36secs
Christopher Innes-Wong (7.5m) 12.42s
Tim Eschebach (6.75m) 12.42s
Darren Whittaker (12m) 12.64s
Stuart Rooke (9m) 12.49s
Matthew Harvey(10m) 12.53s
Edward Ware (8m) 12.57s
Mark Hignett (10.5m) 12.68s
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