Canya All Class triumphs for Hopkins’ first G1 win

Jessica Hopkins has fought back tears after claiming her first group 1 win as a greyhound trainer, with Canya All Class silencing the doubters to win the Sportsbet Topgun Stayers.

Hopkins conceded she wasn’t confident the rising stayer could win in a star-studded invitational.

She was the third fastest out, but she climbed up the back of the leader – the reigning Victorian stayer of the year Drill Sergeant – and kept chasing the lure, holding off a pack of closers.

The triumph was Hopkins’ first at the elite level.

“My Nan and Pa won the sprint in ’96 [when it was at Sandown],” an emotional Hopkins said post-race.

“I wish he was here to see this, and my dad as well. I just love this dog, it’s a great story. He’s got a fantastic group of owners.

“Mum, nan, my aunty and uncle are here.

“I just can’t believe he’s done it. I thought he was probably still six months away from being a top stayer … but he’s done it.

“That’s what dreams are made of. You go to bed every night dreaming to win a race like this.”

Ella’s Babe was the unlucky runner. She tried to weave her way through late but ran up the back of Canya All Class and Drill Sergeant, with Aunt Virginia and Valpolicella closing late to grab third and fourth.

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