Maitland sprint trainer Bryan Gulliver has slammed Stawell Gift handicappers for giving Tasmanian teenage sprint sensation Jack Hale an overly generous mark for the world famous race.
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Gulliver, who trains Maitland sprint twins Jack and Tom Newman, said handicappers had brought Hale forward to start from 3.25 metres after starting the 120 metre grass-track classic from 2.25 metres last year.
The Stawell Gift, Australia’s most famous foot race, is traditionally held at Easter with runners handicapped on the previous year’s form in sprint events.
“I have no problems with Jack Hale, he is great for the sport, but when he gets a metre lift after running a 10.31 this year you have to ask questions about the handicapping,” he said.
“Especially when Jack has not broken 11 seconds yet and stays at 6.5 metres.
I have no problems with Jack Hale, he is great for the sport, but when he gets a metre lift after running a 10.31 you have to ask questions about the handicapping.
- Maitland athletics trainer Bryan Gulliver
“You can run eight metres in 0.7 of a second, so that’s already a four metre advantage and now they bring him a metre closer.
“I’d say with that mark they have virtually guaranteed Hale a spot in the final on Monday and a very good chance at winning the $40,000 first prize.”
Gulliver said he would seek a review of the 18-year-old twins’ marks, with Tom also unchanged this year at 7.25m, but did not expect any joy.
He said given their handicaps making the semi-final in the Gift would be a good result.
But he believes they both have strong chances of making the 200 metre final.
The two Newmans also have nominated for the 70 metre sprint, and Jack will assess during the Easter meeting whether he will run in the 400 metres.
Gulliver’s former charge Tim Eschebach, who was based at Thornton until moving to Brisbane late last year, gives himself a good chance of making the Gift final after running in it last year.
But Eschebach’s strongest event will be the 200 metres, which he won in 2014.
“My focus this year will be the 200 metres. I haven’t competed as much this season in the past because of the move to Brisbane,” he said.
Eschebach will be joined by his older brother Josh, who returns to the sport after a 10-year break.
“He just really wants to experience the Stawell Gift,” he said.
Queanbeyan Gift winner Kara Bull has a busy schedule this year at Stawell.
Bull is entered in the women’s gift and is also running in the 70 metre and 400 metres.
