The 29 year old etched his name into the Keilor Sports Club's history books, winning the showcase 120-metre handicap race in 12.408 seconds, ahead of Nathan Fox and Stephen Sheppard.

"It was a great night," he said. "I'm absolutely stoked."

Dunbar, a product of the Ringwood Athletics Club, has a great athletic pedigree. His father, Rick, was a professional runner in Scotland before taking the Victorian Athletic League by storm.

His mother, Sue, is a VAL director with a long involvement in the sport, while his grandfather Stewart Peterson was also a professional athlete.

"I am following in their footsteps," Dunbar said, admitting that he felt a lot of pressure heading into the Keilor Gift.

Having reached many finals this summer - only to run a place - he did not have to wait long to celebrate at Keilor as he comfortably led the field over the line to win by about a metre.

"It felt comfortable," he said. "I was able to celebrate straight away. The pressure was on so it was a bit of a relief."

Dunbar rates the win "up there" with his victory in the Maryborough Gift in 2004.

He said the Keilor Gift was an important lead-up race to the famous Stawell Gift. "That's the ultimate. This win will give me a confidence boost."