News
History Made: Jess Hopkins Claims Group 1 Melbourne Cup
Jess Hopkins has etched her name into greyhound racing history, becoming just the 10th female trainer to win the Group 1 Sportsbet Melbourne Cup after a powerhouse performance from Canya Mayhem at Sandown Park tonight.
Jess Hopkins has etched her name into greyhound racing history, becoming just the 10th female trainer to win the Group 1 Sportsbet Melbourne Cup after a powerhouse performance from Canya Mayhem at Sandown Park tonight.
In a race that lived up to every ounce of its hype, Canya Mayhem – the son of Bernardo x Bali Sunset – delivered the run of his life. Showing trademark speed and composure, he surged to the lead and refused to let go, giving Hopkins the biggest victory of her rapidly rising career.
The win marks Hopkins’ second Group 1 triumph in just 12 months, following her Topgun Stayers success with Canya All Class last year – a stretch of form that now cements her as one of the most exciting young trainers in the sport.
“It’s surreal,” Hopkins said post-race. “To win a Melbourne Cup is what everyone dreams of. I’m just so proud of him.”
Behind the winner, Dashing Slay, trained by 23-year-old Kayla Cottrell, lost no admirers with a bold and courageous performance, finishing a gallant second in the $1 million feature. The consistent Valenzuela filled third, continuing his rise through the sprinting ranks.
Hopkins’ win is not only a personal milestone, but a moment of significance for the sport – joining a select group of female Cup-winning trainers.
For a boutique trainer juggling life between gallops and greyhounds, the Melbourne Cup has always been the dream. Tonight, at Sandown Park, Jess Hopkins lived it.
Events
The Sportsbet Dream Chasers Festival is back!
With over $3.5million in prize money up for grabs, The Meadows and Sandown Park again play host to these blockbuster greyhound events, including the history and prestige of the Group 1 Sportsbet Melbourne Cup, as well as the energy and excitement of the most exhilarating race in greyhound racing, The Phoenix. Be sure to get on course or watch all the action live and exclusive on Racing.com or Sky Racing.
Heading
Location
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
Nov
7
Sportsbet Topgun
The Meadows
Start your Sportsbet Dream Chasers Festival experience with an unforgettable night of hospitality at The Meadows. There are a number of exciting ways to be part of this premier night of entertainment, with three massive Group 1 races set to light up the track. This year’s Sportsbet Topgun has something for everyone. Trackside, The Meadows will bring the Dream Chasers Festival to life with an electric atmosphere, crowd participation and plenty of surprises in store. Meanwhile, dining guests can enjoy first-class hospitality, and entertainment throughout the night.
Nov
21
Sportsbet Melbourne Cup Heats
Sandown Park
This is where legends begin. On Saturday 21 November, the Sportsbet Melbourne Cup and Bold Trease heats explode into life at Sandown Park, as Australia’s fastest greyhounds go flat out for a place in the biggest finals of the year. Eight heats. No second chances. Dreams made and broken in under 30 seconds. And the action doesn’t stop at the finish line. Rewind 80s will have the crowd singing outside near Box 9, a DJ keeps the party pumping upstairs, and local community clubs bring the colour and noise as they’re drawn their Community Sweep finalists. Grab a bite from the food trucks, settle in for a buffet with the family, or talk tactics with Australia’s Greatest Greyhound Punter, Troy Little. General admission is free, so round up your mates and be there when the field takes shape.
Nov
28
Sportsbet Melbourne Cup
Sandown Park
The Sportsbet Melbourne Cup is considered the world's greatest greyhound race, boasting an honour roll that's unrivalled. Each November, Sandown Park becomes the stage where legends are made and history is written at lightning speed.
Dec
12
The Phoenix
The Meadows
After five editions, The Phoenix has quickly risen to become the most captivating greyhound race in the country. Offering a total prize pool of $1.65 million and $1 million to the winner, it’s the richest greyhound race in the world and the biggest party in greyhound racing! Be part of the phenomenon in 2026.
Watch all the action live on Racing.com
Download the new Watchdog mobile form guide today
