Sandown Park witnessed the arrival of a genuine star tonight, with Dewana Star claiming the first Group 1 victory of his career in the Harrison-Dawson (515m).

The talented speedster exploded out of box eight, carving out a blistering 4.94 second first split before stopping the clock in a flying 29.02 seconds.

An emotional Matt Dewan was struggling to find the words post-race after combining with Father Brendan to train, bred and own the rising star.

“I’m lost for words,” Dewan said.

“I’m wrapped with what he is doing at the moment. Dad and I do this together and this is something we have dreamt about.”

Dewana Star entered the Group 1 assignment full of confidence after his thrilling Group 2 Warrnambool Cup triumph earlier this month and proved too classy for his rivals despite the wide draw.

Deadly Avenger was gallant in second placing, while He’s A Pearl charged home strongly to round out the placings.

Dewana Star wins the Group 1 Harrison-Dawson from box eight in a best of the night 29.02 seconds.

Much of the pre-race focus centred around the clash between emerging talent Hurricane and Dewana Star, with punters divided on whether the Dewan-trained chaser could cross from box eight.

But Dewana said he was confident the draw would suit his greyhound perfectly.

“I wanted him in box eight even though everyone during the week was questioning whether he could cross from there,” he said.

Following his breakthrough Group 1 success, Dewana Star is now likely to head north for the Queensland Winter Carnival.