Luke Stevens edges out Jack Hale at Burnie

By CAMERON WHITELEY

WELL DONE: Backmarker's handicap winner, Luke Stevens with young Tasmanian sprint sensation Jack Hale. Picture: Stuart Wilson.

AUSTRALIA'S fastest boy Jack Hale was the star attraction, but for Burnie Gift favourite Luke Stevens, yesterday's 120-metre invitation sprint victory was a consolation prize.

Jack Hale (red) is pipped by Luke Stevens (blue) in the invitation handicap at Burnie.

The Melbourne runner failed to make the finals of the rich Burnie Gift race, but held out a fast-finishing Hale to ensure he didn't walk away from West Park empty handed.

"I came in here with a slight setback not making the gift final, but it was great to get a second chance," Stevens said.

"To be able to run against the fastest kid in Australia was good.

"He was on scratch, I was on 2.5m. It would be nice if we were racing next to each other but that's handicap racing and I'm just happy I got the win."

Teenage track sensation Hale, of Hobart, said he was happy with his run on the relatively foreign surface of grass.

"I can't really complain, and I obviously lost to a better guy on the day," he said.

"It was excellent running from him so he deserves all the credit."

When asked how he was handling the hype surrounding his record-breaking runs, Hale said his main aim was trying to stay focused.

"It's been a bit crazy, but I think I'm handling it well and not letting the pressure get to me," he said.

"I'm just trying to run my own races."