Zotti claims Castlemaine Gift, Lubeck triumphs in 800m

By Aydin Payne

Feb 28, 2023

Winners: Seymour duo Cooper Lubeck and Lucy Zotti following their respective wins at the weekend.

Castlemaine was once a place where travellers descended on in a bid to discover gold and last weekend it was once again a place where gold was claimed.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

Seymour duo Lucy Zotti and Cooper Lubeck claimed success at the recent Castlemaine Gift, with Zotti breaking through for her second women’s Gift win in a matter of weeks, while Lubeck triumphed in the men’s 800m.

Zotti, who won her maiden Wangaratta Gift in January, eclipsed her rivals to nab the women’s Castlemaine Gift (120m).

The promising 22-year-old almost added another sash around her shoulder at the weekend but ran a narrow second in the women’s 400m classic.

“It was a massive effort from Lucy to win the Gift,” her coach and Lubeck’s father Kelvin said.

“She was unlucky not to win the 400m women’s classic after her run was blocked, but that’s racing. She continues to do us proud.”

It was another comprehensive showing from the Seymour athletes dubbed the ‘Kelfits’.

Lubeck backed up his impressive win at Keilor a fortnight ago over 1600m to salute in the men’s 800m at Castlemaine.

Fresh-faced runner Nick Davey, in only his third run, made the final of the restricted men’s 400m in an effort that pleased his coach.

Julian Morgan and Olivia Attard both ran well in the 400m open and women’s 1600m events respectively.

“Nick did his hammy in his first-ever run so he had to have 28 days off. He reached the final and won $25 and after a visit to KFC he had a $7 profit, so he was happy with his efforts,” Kelvin said with a laugh.