The McLean, McKenzie and Topfer Big Six six kilometre handicap at Burnie was run in perfect conditions and a good field gathered to hear the starter’s orders.
John Purton led the field away on the circuit course which incorporated the short but steep climb up Brickport Road.
Although front markers Barry Ling, Ken Williams Stuart Greenhill and Liz Murton featured for the first three kilometres, once the hill was reached middle-markers Alan Bakes, Andrew Bates and Michelle D’Monte soon took over at the front.
However, backmarkers, Thomas Wilson and Bryan Tuit, were storming through the field and started to look the main chances.
As the ascent was completed with a kilometre to run, Tuit had taken over the lead with Wilson in hot pursuit. Tuit was able to hold on for a well-deserved victory, with husband and wife, Arnold and Ellen Elphinstone running into third and fourth.
Tuit was pleased to finally break through for his first win since 2015. He was well suited by the course which was hilly but also had sections that allowed him to utilise the speed on which he has been working in preparation for the coastal Christmas carnivals.
Other eye-catching performances were recorded by Mark Saint-John and Michael Bates with Alex Johnstone impressing with his ninth.
Wilson was the fastest male with Lyn Saint-John fastest female.
The nominated time winners were Dominic Troughton, Cayla Ward, Lucy van Rooyen and Mackenzie Troughton.