SPEEDSTER Josh Adams left his rivals in his wake to capture the inaugural Footy Codes Sprint at the Muswellbrook Race Club on Sunday.
Representing the Muswellbrook Cats, the Aussie Rules flyer held off fast-finishing rugby league products Brendon Chalker (Singleton Greyhounds) and Mac Shepherdson (Denman Devils) to claim the $1000 prize and $300 individual bounty.
Not far behind were Callum Smith (Murrurundi Mavericks), Nick Crackett (Scone Thoroughbreds), Stevie Dengate (Muswellbrook Rams) and Ethan Cridland (Muswellbrook Heelers).
Unfortunately, Callan Cridland (Muswellbrook Eagles) was a late scratching after rolling his ankle at training mid-week.
"I'm rapt with how it all panned out [on the day]," Muswellbrook Race Club (MRC) general manager Duane Dowell said.
"Even though the boys admitted afterwards it was very trying over 100m in the longish grass, it was a great spectacle seeing them race down the straight.
"They then watched a replay of the sprint in the club's winner's room, which I think they enjoyed.
"Josh [Adams] was certainly an impressive winner.
"It was also terrific to witness their team mates getting behind them - and cheering them on."
And, due to the popularity of the event, Dowell admitted the Footy Codes Sprint could find itself a permanent home on the MRC's calendar.
"We're always striving to be innovative," he said.
"So, we'll definitely look at doing it again.
"But, the race certainly helped make the Country Championships Wild Card meeting a success at Skellatar Park.
"I was very impressed with the conduct and professionalism of all the boys.
"They're a credit to their respective clubs."
The runner-up and third placegetter did not go home empty-handed either.
Chalker collected $250 for the Greyhounds and pocketed $150 for himself, while Shepherdson picked up $200 (Devils) and $100 (individual).
In the other feature event, Noble Boy took out the $50,000 Wild Card.
