By BRAD PERRY
COME from behind 2009 Bay Sheffield winner Russell Scott is amongst the high profile names to compete at the Nippy’s Loxton Gift on Saturday.
Scott’s dashing win in the recent Bay Sheffield, against all odds, has him in good stead to go in as favourite for this year’s Gift.
Bay Sheffield runner-up, and past winner of the 120 metre Nippy’s Gift, Robbie James, is also another name on an impressive list to compete in the region this weekend.
James will be looking to go one better after posting the fastest qualifying times in last year’s event, only to withdraw from the final with a hamstring injury.
Organising committee chairman Denis Hann said there is a strong field of athletes who will be vying for the title, with a number returning from past events.
“There is a bit of cream there,” he said.
“They (the competitors) would be names known to spectators.”
Local hopes rest on the shoulders of former Loxton High School students Josh Mann and Michael Nitschke, as well as promising Loxton youngster Peter Fisher.
“He (Fisher) ran in the under 20, 1000 metre race last year (and) he gave a very impressive display,” Mr Hann said.
“There are three local people for spectators to be interested in.”
Amongst the other names to race are dual Nippy’s Gift winner Brad Letton and 2008 winner Ben Koschade.
Last year’s Gift favourite and past Bay Sheffield winner Andrew Steele will return for another shot at glory, while Canadian Ria Thompson has been labelled as one to watch after storming home to win a 120 metre event in Adelaide on Australia Day.
In the women’s event, Lucy Buckley heads the list of favourites with solid form leading up to the Loxton Gift.
Buckley won the Camden Women’s Classic recently, as well as the 550 metre event at the Bay Sheffield and 120 metre event at the Marion meet.
“She’s very versatile and she’s in form,” Mr Hann said.
Past Gift winner Emily Bourke and sisters Amy and Katherine Robb are certain to run well. Mr Hann said many of the professional runners
use the Loxton event as preparation for the Stawell Gift. Boasting a significant prize pool, Mr Hann said racing will be top class and a great spectacle for those who attend.
With more than 3500 people attending last year’s event and a classy list of runners this year, Mr Hann hopes another big crowd will see the action at Loxton Oval. “The number of spectators seems to increase every year,” he said.
With up to 50 races scheduled throughout the twilight program, including relay events featuring Riverland netball and football clubs and a Loxton Little Athletics Club display, the event is expected to be bigger than ever.
With races from 300 up to 1000 metres, spectators can enjoy the Loxton Gift from 5pm to 10pm with free entry and witness some of the country’s top athletes compete.
This Friday, the much anticipated Calcutta Dinner will be held at the Loxton Hotel, with Adelaide racecaller Terry McAuliffe to MC the night.
Athletes and trainers will feature in an interview session with McAullife, including a one on one session with Victorian training legend Mark Hipworth.
“We hope many people come again and enjoy the dinner,” he said. To book tickets for the dinner, phone Denis Hann on
0439 847 517 or Robert Pfeiler on 0417 822 763.
