Thursday, 28 May 2020:

For the first time since the latter years of the Second World War, there will be no Stawell Gift in 2020.

The storied professional footrace, which was first contested way back in 1878 in the western Victorian town of Stawell, has fallen victim to the COVID-19 crisis.

Traditionally held over the Easter long weekend, the 2020 Gift carnival was initially postponed back in March, along with other sporting events in Australia and around the world.

Organisers have now made the decision not to try and reschedule the race later in the year, preferring to turn their attention to 2021.

Since 1878, the only other years when the Gift was not contested were 1942-45.

Victorian Dhruv Rodrigues Chico won the men's 2019 Gift off a 7m handicap, while the women's event was won by Alexia Loizou, of Frankston.

AAP