In her second season of professional running, she said she wasn’t expecting to have such great success.

“I was supposed to run off a handicap of nine metres, but they changed it to 7.5,” Grigg said. 

“I’m exhausted. I put as much into the race as I could.”

Grigg finished the race in 14.337 seconds, just ahead of Pamela Austin who finished in 14.499.

The 26-year-old had been touring for competitions over the past week, competing at the Bay Sheffield in Adelaide and the Ararat Gift on Sunday.

She flew back to Western Australia last night. 

Kate Jones was the only Ballarat competitor to secure a place in the women’s main event.

The 18-year-old Ballarat Christian College student won her heat to earn her finals position.

“I had a good start which was what we were aiming for to drive down the field,” Jones said.

“It was great to get in the finals, it can be a bit disappointing if you travel down and it’s over quickly.” 

Jones finished the race in 14.82 seconds, in seventh place, running off a handicap of 8.25. The young athlete said although she was performing well, she has got a lot more to give.

“I’m feeling good – I’m not completely fit. I’ve got a lot more in me,” she said. 

Jones is now looking to compete at the Rye, Ballarat and Stawell gifts.

“You never know who will run on the door – I’m just going to keep going and see how my fitness develops.” 

This is Jones’ first year running in the professional events after winning last season’s Bendigo novice women’s gift.

nicole.cairns@thecourier.com.au