Go Bears Delivers In Grand Style In Derby

21-year-old trainer Jay Opetaia was confident Go Bears could deliver on the big stage in Friday night’s Richmond Derby Final (520m).

Adam Dobbin01 March 2024

21-year-old trainer Jay Opetaia was confident Go Bears could deliver on the big stage in Friday night's Richmond Derby Final (520m).

And the young Orange conditioner was proven right after the son of Melbourne Cup hero My Redeemer powered away for victory in the group 2 feature in sensational style, recording 29.47s for the 520 metre journey.

Going into the $50,000-to-the-winner finale on the strength of three straight victories including a flying 29.42 heat success, all that casted a shadow over Go Bears' Derby claims was his tricky box seven draw.

But those fears were allayed soon after box rise with Go Bears beginning brilliantly to race to the lead and from there have the Derby title firmly in his keeping.

"To win this race for them, it's surreal"

Go Bears has won the @Ladbrokescomau @Richmond_Greys Derby Final tonight for Jay Opetaia! Jay tells us how he came to train the greyhound, and what it means for him to win the race for the Ulricks.#thedogs #greyhoundracing #greyhounds pic.twitter.com/m3yp5B6OqN
— The Dogs (@Thedogs_com_au) March 1, 2024

"He's a very special dog, I'm sure (owners) Ron and Karen (Ulrick) would be happy," Opetaia said.

"Good dogs can find a way when things don't look like they're ideal and he's definitely one of those dogs … just a winner.

"It's a big thrill to win this race but even more so for the (Ulrick) family. They gave us a chance with him when the travel got to much for them late last year and I'm really thankful for that.

"They made the dog and we've just kept things rolling for them from there. Now we've ticked this box we'll start preparing him for the Golden Easter Egg. That's the next aim for sure.