Usain Bolt got his season off to a flying start with a win in the 400m at Jamaica's Camperdown Classic, the first race of the year.

The world 100m and 200m record holder won in a time of 46.35 seconds with fellow Jamaicans Yohan Blake in second and Ricardo Chambers third place.

"The first 300 meters of the race was good, but the last 100 meters need some work," Bolt said.

"I am not really in the best of shape, but I'm happy I got through it."

Running in lane five, Bolt recovered from a slow start to coast past his challengers at the National Stadium East event.

Bolt, 22, slowed in the last 50m and smiled looking right and left as he crossed the finish line but he refrained from his customary dance at the finish, opting instead for a rubdown from his masseuse.

The triple Olympic gold medallist's coach Glen Mills was happy with the workout.

"We find the 400 metres tough, so I am satisfied with his time," said Mills.

"He ran about the same time last year so that's good. We're a bit behind with our training but we have time to work and we're taking our time."

Bolt, who was named Jamaica's Sportsman of the Year on Friday, has a best effort of 45.28 seconds for the 400m.

However his time on Saturday was faster than the 46.94 he ran in his season-opener last year.

American Michael Johnson holds the world record of 43.18, set in 1999.

Bolt's run also eclipsed the 47.75 seconds his 100 metres rival and compatriot, former world record holder Asafa Powell, clocked last week in his first outdoor race.

Mills was reluctant to look towards the World championships in Berlin, which take place in August, with Bolt a favourite for the 100m and 200m.

"I know he has a 100m race to run in May but that's as far as I can say," added Mills.

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