Raincheck works in favour of refreshed runners

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By Cameron Whiteley

 

Two Victorian runners say the cancellation of yesterday’s program at the Devonport carnival could turn out to be a blessing in disguise for their chances of success.

While cyclists and runners found shelter yesterday due to the inclement weather, Rob Keenan and Peter Knott decided on a light training run at Devonport Oval.

Both said an extra day’s rest after Sunday night’s Latrobe carnival could work in their favour heading up to tonight’s rescheduled Devonport Gift over 400 metres.

“I won’t complain about having a little bit more rest before (today),” 28-year-old Keenan said.

“This was one of the bigger races, and coming across my aim was just to make the final first, without getting too far ahead of myself.”

“Now, I’ll just relax, get some stretching and massage done and get back to the track at about 1.30pm”

Keenan, who is returning to the carnival series for the fourth time, said he was always quick to mark the event on his calendar.

“I look forward to coming down here every year,” he said.

“The atmosphere is what gets me here every year, it’s really exciting running here and the crowds come out and it makes it more enjoyable.”

Knott is part of the Mark Hipworth running stable, the remainder of which arrived in the state yesterday after competing in the Bay Sheffield carnival.

The 34-year-old will join Keenan in the heats of today’s Devonport Gift, but was disappointed the 200-metre events were cancelled.

‘I’ll just have to make do and run the heats for the 400m and see how I go,” he said.

“I’ll be interested to see how many people we get, they will change the numbers and get a few handicaps sorted out.”

Knott, who was born and bred in Hobart before moving to Victoria in 1997, also hoped extra recovery time might work to his advantage today.

“In a way, it’s got its benefits in that I will be fresh,” he said.