Ronald Evans lands first Group win as Ferness wins Richmond Derby
Ferness finally secured a well-earned Group 2 victory in the Ladbrokes Richmond Derby at Richmond on Friday night, delivering a blistering 29.21 performance to claim his first feature race win for owner/trainer Ronald Evans.
After being narrowly denied in multiple Group race finals, including the Golden Easter Egg and Vic Peters Classic, the Ronald Evans-trained sprinter produced a career-best effort to storm home by 4.75 lengths over Chief Lightning, with Zipping Chaplin closing late for third.
Breaking smartly from box five at $4.60 odds with the top online bookmakers, Ferness quickly surged to the front, fending off early pressure from Chief Lightning before extending his lead down the back straight.
Despite the strong challenge, Ferness found another gear on the home turn, powering away to record a dominant win.
2025 Group 2 Richmond Derby Race Replay – Ferness (29.21)
A thrilled Ronald Evans, who has described himself as the “oldest apprentice in the sport,” was left almost speechless after securing his first Group race victory.
“I don’t know what to say, I’m over the moon,” Evans admitted post-race. “He’s been in so many big races, and to finally get a win like this is just incredible.”
Evans credited his team for keeping Ferness in top condition despite ongoing injury concerns, praising his veterinary support and fellow trainers for their guidance throughout the journey.
“He’s had a bad front shoulder for a long time, and we’ve just kept working on it,” he said. “My vet, Claire Harrison, and Sir Richard Board check on him every week. A lot of people have sent messages of support, and I truly appreciate it.”
Ferness’ breakthrough win in the Richmond Derby earned him a $40,000 payday and took his career record to 14 wins and 14 placings from 43 starts, with prize money now surpassing $170,000.
With the Derby title secured, Evans is now contemplating his next steps, with potential breeding opportunities and future Group 1 targets on the horizon.
“Winning the Derby is huge, but maybe now someone might be interested in breeding with him,” Evans said. “For now, I’m just going to enjoy this moment.”
The Richmond Derby result further cements Ferness’ status as a top-tier greyhound, with Friday night’s performance highlighting his undeniable talent and resilience in the toughest of company.
2025 Richmond Derby Final Results
2025 Richmond Derby Final ResultsRichmond 520m Group 2 $40,000 to-the-winner Friday, February 28, 2025
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| 1st |
5 Ferness
T: Ronald EvansTime: 29.21Margin:
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| 2nd |
8 Chief Lightning
T: Jason MagriTime: 29.54Margin: 4.75 Lengths
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| 3rd |
3 Zipping Chaplin
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| 4th |
1 Mr. Informant
T: Suzette TurnerTime: 29.98Margin: 11.00 Lengths
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| 5th |
2 Poco Rico
T: Melinda FinnTime: 30.04Margin: 11.75 Lengths
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6th |
6 Both Bowers Ace
T: Melinda FinnTime: 30.17Margin: 13.50 Lengths
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| 7th |
7 Brooklyn Brute
T: Kerry DrynanTime: 30.31Margin: 15.50 Lengths
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| FELL |
4 Trunkey Chief
T: Anthony GoddenTime:Margin: Lengths
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