The Bay Sheffield in South Australia is regarded as the second best gift behind the Stawell Gift and Lugo continued his strong form by delivering a thrilling run in the 120m final, crossing the line in first place in a time of 12.575 seconds off a 9.5m handicap.

Lugo put everything into the race, particularly in the final metres as backmarker Matthew Rizzo stormed home.

Lugo reached for the line, giving his hamstring – which had been sore following the semi-final – a tweak, but the pain did not last long as he was declared the winner.

“I wasn’t sure how I’d go because the body was smashed from that run (Bay Sheffield),” Lugo said.

“I was happy to back it up and now I think I’ll have some well-deserved time off.

“I could feel it (my hamstring) was coming and I really tried to reach a bit…but it feels good now.”

Lugo said this was his biggest race success, up there with his Bendigo Gift and Stawell restricted 100m victories.

The Richmond runner was honoured to win the prestigious race and put his name alongside some impressive company on the gift running scene.

“There’s four or five classic races and Maryborough’s one of those. It’s got a long history, a lot of good athletes have won...I’m happy to be in such quality company.”