McSweyn to take on Stawell

SCOTT GULLAN
Herald Sun 13 Mar

A NEW two-mile event featuring Australian distance star Stewart McSweyn is set to share top billing at next month’s Stawell Gift.

The AIA Vitality Cup will see McSweyn chase the 3200m world record on the grass at Central Park against a starstudded line-up, shown live on Channel 7 in between the women’s and men’s Gift races.

McSweyn has enjoyed an extraordinary 12 months, becoming one of the best runners in the world.

The King Island product holds Australian records at 1500m, 3000m and 10,000m.

He will be joined on the start line by Melbourne Track Club teammates Matthew Ramsden, Brett Robinson, Ryan Gregson, Jordy Williamsz, Jack Rayner and David McNeill.

While the time-honoured 120m Gift has traditionally been the centre of attention at Stawell at Central Park during the Easter weekend, there have been some memorable performances in the other handicap events.

Organisers are still trying to lock down a drawcard for the Gift, with Australia’s fastest man Rohan Browning a possibility of making the trip down from Sydney.