Over 30 years after his first win with the Bendigo Athletic Club Chook Stewart is still adding to his collection of sashes.  At Huntly on Sunday the determined veteran left the field gazing at his tail-feathers as he stormed to victory in the 8k Central Trophies and Gifts Handicap.

Chook's closest challenger on the day was Lachlan Perdon.  By the finish Lachlan was a mere 9 seconds behind Chook despite conceding him 50 years in experience.

Finishing in third place was another experienced campaigner, Paul Bennett.  Paul and Lachlan started from the same handicap and only two seconds separated them at the finish.  Another titanic battle is anticipated at their next meeting on Sunday week over 6.5k at Keith Noden's in the Whipstick Forest.

Fastest time on the day went once again to Michael Preece with an excellent 27:55 despite the wet and slippery conditions, but perhaps the most outstanding performance was Ingrid Douglass who overcame injury and illness to be fastest woman and 5th fastest runner overall.  Both of these athletes are expected to claim a win before too long.

This Sunday sees the Club's attention turn from individual performance to team effort when the Central Test sponsored Relays are held at No. 7 Reservoir in Kangaroo Flat starting at 10:30 A.M.  Teams comprise 3 runners who will each take turns running three 1,430 metre laps.

Early favourites are last years second-placegetters Ben Goode, Reza Azimi and Ingrid Douglass, despite the fact that they are the backmarkers in the field and will be conceding huge starts to some of the other teams.  Regardless of the end result the Relays always feature impressive performances as competitors strive not to let their teammates down.