Williams In The Winners List At Maitland

A group of new owners headed by Channel 9's Cameron Williams enjoyed their first winner on Monday night when Canya Dig It scored at Maitland.

A group of new owners headed by Channel 9 personality Cameron Williams enjoyed their first winner on Monday night when Canya Dig It scored in impressive fashion at Maitland.

A well-bred son of Barcia Bale and Zipping Spring, Canya Dig It recorded a tidy 22.66 seconds to win his maiden by a comprehensive 6-1/4 lengths for leading NSW trainer Jason Mackay.

The victory was full of merit but not before time for Williams and his first-time group of owners after the youngster began his career with three rather indifferent performances.

"It's been a bit of a rollercoaster to start off but myself and the other owners understand when it comes to racing there are no guarantees," Williams said.

"It really has been a case of whatever could go wrong has gone wrong so far so to watch him turn the corner and win last night was a real buzz.

"After the race Jason Mackay sent me a text message with just two words – ‘leading owner'. We're not quite there yet but hopefully he's on the right track now and we can have some fun."

For the past two years Williams has spearheaded Channel 9's coverage of the TAB Million Dollar Chase which fuelled his desire to get involved in greyhound ownership.

"The first Million Dollar Chase we did was my first time to Wentworth Park and I just loved everything about it," Williams said.

"This was obviously before COVID and the crowd was young, vibrant and having such a great time. There are so many great characters in the sport which makes you just want to be a part of it."

Williams shares in the ownership of the Toby Weekes-bred Canya Dig It primarily with Tony Shepherd, Nick Santucci and Carl Fox, the quartet then bringing in people from their own circles to enjoy the ride.

"There was a day we were all at the gallops when Winx was racing and I just mentioned out aloud I'd like to own a greyhound," Williams said.

"You would have thought I'd turned on a light in a dark room with everyone saying it was something they wanted to do as well.

"So that's where things started and we've just gone from there.

"The phone was pretty quiet after his first three starts but it livened up a bit after last night."

And while Canya Dig It reeled off slick time to score at Maitland on Monday night, Williams had to run a race of his own just to watch the son of Barcia Bale land his first win.

"I was reading the sport on Channel 9 news and in between stories kept checking the clock," Williams said.

"Sport generally finishes at 6.48 pm when the race was due to be run so it was going to be tight. I'd seen the first race had run a bit late so I was praying the second race was the same.

"As soon as I finished I said to Peter Overton I was off so I rushed out of the soundproof area so I could cheer if I had to.

"Watching it practically by myself on my phone in the studio wasn't how I'd hoped I'd see his first win but you need to start somewhere.

"Who knows maybe down the track all the owners can be together and watch him race at Wentworth Park. And if he doesn't get that far perhaps our next one will."

Whatever Canya Dig It's future on the track holds, Williams and his passionate group of owners have already put steps in place for his time post racing.

"We've already put money aside to more than look after him when he finishes racing," Williams said.

"His future being taken care of is more important to the owners than anything else."

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