It was the third carnival career win for the 21-year-old, Ray Quarrell-trained runner who has had plenty of placings in gift and 400 finals before.

Gilroy started fast from his mark of 21m to haul in Burnie's Mason Bragg (20m) in second place at the bend leading into the straight then chased down front marker and race leader Victorian Calvin Gook (47m), catching him just before the finish line in a well- timed run and victory in 47.85.

Gook finished second and Bragg third.

"I'm feeling pretty good and it's been a long series and that was my sixth 400 of the series so to get up in that I was surprised," Gilroy said.

"I'm very sore and tired but I know it will set me up for the rest of the season.

"We've been using the carnivals for training so to get a win is a bonus.

"I felt good and got off to a good start and knew I had to go out fast to get a good position.

"Once I got to the bend with about 100m to go I thought if I dug deep I could get up for a win."

Gilroy said he had had a good carnival series over 400m so far with a second and fourth place. "To finally get a win - I'm really happy."