Leeton's Greg O'Callaghan is a part-owner of Mister Rea, which took out the high-calibre race on Saturday night.

After a winning debut at Kilmore and his group two Sapling Stakes success, Mister Rea won his Gold Crown heat in an impressive 1:55.8 mile rate. He was the quickest qualifier.

Speed was something Mister Rea showed again when the green light was given on Saturday, getting away well from barrier one to ensure he took the lead in the 1,730m final.

From there the Pet Rock-Just Glenburn colt Walker bred with his wife Jane and the couple co-own with O'Callaghan controlled things.

Mister Rea led by some four metres as the bell sounded, with Masquerading in the trail and fellow unbeaten colt Lightning Dan on the outside.

Lightning Dan closed within two metres down the back straight, but at the 400 mark the favourite found another gear and turned for home with a handy lead.

While Masquerading ($4.20) made up ground late, Mister Rea's driver Daryll Perrot raised his whip in triumph as he crossed the line when he knew he had it won.

O'Callaghan was thrilled to be part of the winning team.

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"I've never felt anything like it ... I've been involved with horses for a long, long time and I never thought I would have a group one winner," he said.

"Ray and I have been friends for a long time. Our families go a long way back.

"Ray had bred this horse, he trains this horse and he bred the mother and the grandmother.

"For him to let me be part of this is really special."

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