Mitch O’Neill signing autographs after his mighty Stawell Gift run.
Corowa identity Mitch O’Neill ran a magnificent race in Australia’s top foot race, the Powercor Stawell Gift on Easter Monday.
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As back marker, the 26-year-old finished third, just one metre away from South Australian John Evans who won the 120m race in 11.94 seconds.
Racing off a front mark of 9.75m, 28-year-old Evans flew home to win the final in 11.94 seconds, clear of Jasper Thomas (6.50m) and O'Neill (4.75m).
Considering the handicaps O’Neill ran the fastest time, clocking 12.11. “‘I got off to a good start, did well in the middle and came home strong,” he told The Free Press.
It was a very satisfied O’Neill at racing’s end. “It was our goal to reach the final. I was more nervous going into the semi-final than the final.”
It was O’Neill’s third attempt to win a semi. Interviewed on television after his 12.21 win, he said: “I wanted to make something of the weekend – to make it to the final.”
O’Neill loved the atmosphere at the picturesque Central Park with the big crowd. After his semi victory, he signed autographs for youngsters in the crowd and marvelled at so many youngsters taking a keen interest in the sport.
Mitch O’Neill with proud mum Kelly O’Neill.
There was enormous excitement in the 15,000-strong crowd about highly fancied Gout Gout and Lachlan Kennedy in the semi-finals.
But Evans beat Gout Gout in the semi and backed up with aplomb to win the 143rd edition of the celebrated handicap race.
Kennedy also missed out on qualifying for the final when he was runner-up to 17-year-old Dash Muir in the semifinals.
It was a strong line-up of the six sprinters in the final. Mitch’s preparation was flawless. He gave the 2025 Stawell Gift everything and did Corowa proud.
He’s getting closer to the biggest achievement and will be aiming for that achievement in 2026.
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