Gerald Hutchinson wins Daylesford Gift 60 years ago.

HUTCHINSON Scores in Daylesford Gift

The Argus
Monday 29th December 1952

Gerald Hutchinson brilliantly won the 130 yards Daylesford Gift from the virtual scratch mark of four yards on Saturday.

On Friday Hutchinson won the Victorian 75 yards title, Port Fairy Gift double.

His time of 12.1sec. on Saturday was the fastest Gift win of the season, and equal to five yards inside even time.

He defeated Bill Kelly by half a yard, with Don Chipp inches away third.

Hutchinson caught the field at the 110 yard mark, but Kelly kicked on, and it was only in the last 10 yards that Hutchinson clinched the race.

Hutchinson was an almost unbackable favourite.

Kelly, however won the 75 yards Hepburn Sprint after qualifying for the final by being the best second in the semi finals. In a tight finish he managed to defeat J. J. Morrissey, after losing to him in the semi inal.

yes there used to be a lot of little country towns having a pro meet but over the years they have disappeared.maybe the cost of petrol and accommodation is too expensive as you need to stay for the weekend.maybe the VAL could bring back some non penalty meets, that might encourage runners to run,or maybe to encourage the good distance runners to turn up, bring back the 240m limit.we have womens / vets 1600m and 800m races so that covers vets and women every meet and instead of having 1600m races being run and won in 4.25s? by runners on 300m plus we may get the good young guys competing.

back in good old days when runners survived on betting as well as prizemoney
and general public liked to have a punt,

at maryborough bookies odds on display
for gift i did not see any other races
with odds surely there is an opportunity
for bookies to promote their craft by betting