Josh Formosa (front centre) celebrates with the team after winning the 2024 Million Dollar Chase Grand Final with Blue Kermaro. Photos: GRNSW
A former Kyabram District League footballer has raked in a seven-figure prize packet after winning the richest greyhound race in the world.
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Anakie-based trainer Josh Formosa, who played nine games for Longwood in 2023, took out the Million Dollar Chase Grand Final at Wentworth Park on Friday night with Blue Kermaro.
Formosa, alongside owner Ben Peart, pulled in 100 times the figure they paid for Blue Kermaro after shelling out $10,000 for a dog the former found for sale online in February.
Blue Kermaro turned out to be a bolt from the blue in the final, flashing past the post in 29.41 seconds to claim the ultimate prize despite starting as a rank $19 outsider.
After the race, Formosa was swept up in emotion as he tried to convey his feelings.
“I've been pretty confident all week and I just wanted to see him step (at the start),” Formosa said to Greyhound Racing New South Wales.
“He’s just a ripper the dog. You can't describe this feeling. It's just what you want. This is just what dreams are made of. This is just unreal.
“I’ve been saying it all week and, even driving here (from Geelong) today, I felt it ... I thought he could win and that’s why I didn't feel nervous and, obviously, he didn't feel it either and he was just too good. That's all it was.
“I don't even care about the money to be honest, because I just love winning these big races. It's my first big one and it’s the biggest one on the calendar ticked off.”
Formosa’s frantic post-race address was expected given the heart-pounding 30 seconds of action beforehand.
Josh Formosa shares an embrace after Blue Kermaro's million dollar winning run.
Blue Kermaro jumped well from box four, but trailed Sunset Frazier while the favourite Explicit fell away from the pack.
Rounding the home bend Blue Kermaro nosed ahead despite Zipping Megatron snapping at its heels and the Formosa-trained hound sprinted out for a three-quarter length triumph.
The Million Dollar Chase Grand Final salute was Blue Kermaro’s ninth win, elevating its total prizemoney to a whopping $1,048,705.
For 26-year-old Formosa, the win was undoubtedly a hallmark moment in his budding career and also a special one for Peart, who praised the former Redleg in the wake of Blue Kermaro’s million-dollar collect.
“Josh is such a good trainer, he just gives him every chance and the dog just loves racing up here,” Peart said.
“I might move up here. I love NSW racing. My missus will probably take most of it (the prizemoney), but whatever I'm left with I might have a couple of weeks stay up here.
“Of course the money is life changing, but when you're a greyhound man like me, you just love the game.
“That's why I love winning these trophies. Yeah, prizemoney is life changing, but we’re already thinking about making sure he pulls up well and what’s next for us all.”
After such a significant payday, those at Longwood will be hopeful the club may have a new sponsor in Formosa.
The surname is famous at Redlegs Stadium with Jordan Formosa player-coaching the senior side in 2024, while Jye Formosa also suited up for the club in 2023 and 2024.
All three previously played for Strathfieldsaye in Bendigo Football Netball League as well as Heathcote, while Josh is a former Bendigo Pioneer.
