Hove's victory in the open 400m at Camp Reserve capped many months of hard work on and off the track.

Ultimate goal for the sprint star is to represent Australia.

Now based in Albury, Hove raced from the 14m mark in the one-lap dash.

He took out the first of six heats in 49.27 seconds and the final in 47.93 to cap a memorable day for The Stable of Fury.

Twelve months earlier and Hove watched on at Castlemaine as he battled to overcome injury.

There was no stopping him in the 2021 edition of the DRE Enviromental Services, Kevin Maple open 400m.

"To win at Castlemaine in my first attempt means so much," Hove said.

"There's been a lot going on behind the scenes to help me be where I am today.

"Quite a few people have been working tirelessly to help me. Their support is awesome."

Hove arrived in Australia in 2019.

Since then the 26-year-old has endured injuries, financial pressure, visa issues, and upheaval of the COVID pandemic.

"Coach Fury (Adrian) and the rest of the team have helped me so much," Hove said.

"There is so much more to do, but my goal is to run for Australia.

"I believe I have the ability. To race for Australia would be an incredible honour and opportunity."

Hove's victory capped an incredible day of racing at Castlemaine.

Among the special guests were Bill Morton, son of Richard Morton, winner of the first Castlemaine Gift in 1922.

The Gift was also dedicated to athletics legend Lloyd Stringer.

On the track it was South Australia's Luke Houlihan who reigned supreme in the Retail Traders of Castlemaine-backed Gift (120m).

Athletics played a big part in Houlihan's fight against cancer.

A successful run at Castlemaine began by winning his heat in the fastest time of 12.35 seconds.

From a mark of 5 1/2 metres, Houlihan won his semi in 12.40 and the final in 12.27.

"This is an awesome feeling," Houlihan said atop of the victory dais where he was flanked by Matt Burleigh (9.25m) and Jack Boulton (4.75m).

"I am rapt to be part of an event like this. I met Lloyd (Stringer) earlier today and we were able to talk about the history and prestige of the Castlemaine Gift.

Houlihan said athletics was crucial in his cancer battle.

"Running was my outlet through that battle."

He also paid tribute to coach Anthony Toll, family, and the travelling entourage which was trackside for his win.

Zoe Glassborrow from Wonga Park won a closely-fought finish to the Women's Gift (120m) which was sponsored by Leech Earthmoving.

From a mark of 10.75m, Glassborrow hit the finishing gate just ahead of backmarker Elizabeth Ruach (5.5m) and the in-form Taylah Perry (6m).

It was a commanding win for Alex Tzilantonis in the women's open 400m. The Ferntree Gully athlete raced from the 47m mark.

Editor's note: This story was edited to correct Munashe Hove's winning time in the Castlemaine Gift final.

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